1. A compound of the general formula (I): (Figure Remove) wherein Xi is aryl or heteroaryl each of which is optionally substituted with one or more sub- stituents selected from I • halogen, hydroxy, cyano, amino or carboxyj! or • d-e-alkyl, C3.6-cycloalkyl, C2^-alkenyl, C2^Halkynyl, aryl, aralkyl, heteroaryl, hetero- aralkyl, d-e-alkoxy, Cs-e-cycloalkoxy, aryloxj, aralkoxy, heteroaralkoxy, d-e-alkylthio, arylthio, C3<-cycloalkylthio, d-e-alkylcarbonyl, arylcarbonyl, d-e-alkylsulfonyl, arylsul- , !i fonyl, d-e-alkylsulfonyloxy, arylsulfonyloxy, jd-e-alkylamido, arylamido, d-e-alkyl- I. aminocarbonyl, d-e-alkylamino, d-e-dialkylamino or C3^-cycloalkylamino each of which is optionally substituted with one or more halogens; and X2 is arylene or heteroarylene each of which is optionally substituted with one or more sub-stituents selected from • halogen, hydroxy, cyano, amino or carboxyj or • d-e-alkyl, C3.6-cycloalkyl, C2^-alkenyl, C2^alkynyl, d-e-alkoxy, C3^-cycloalkoxy, d-e-alkylthio, CM-cycloalkylthio, d-e-alkylarnino, d-e-dialkylamino or C3^-cycloalkyl- amino each of which is optionally substituted with one or more halogens; and X3 is aryl or heteroaryl each of which is optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from ! • halogen, hydroxy, cyano, amino or carboxy;! or • d-e-alkyl, C3-6-cycloalkyl, C2^-alkenyl, C^alkynyl, aralkyl, heteroaralkyl, d-e-alkoxy, C^-cycloalkoxy, aryloxy, aralkoxy, heteroaralkoxy, d-e-alkylthio, arylthio, alkylthio, Ci^-alkylcarbonyl, arylcarbonyl, C^-e-alkylsulfonyl, arylsulfonyl, C sulfonyloxy, arylsulfonyloxy, d-e-alkylamidqi arylamido, d^-alkylaminocarbonyl, C^- alkylamino, d-e-dialkylamino or C3^-cycloalkylamino each of which is optionally sub stituted with one or more halogens; and Ar is arylene which is optionally substituted with onje or more substituents selected from • halogen, hydroxy or cyano; or • d-e-alkyl, C3.6-cycloalkyl, C2-6-alkenyl, C2ife-alkynyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aralkyl, het- eroaralkyl, d-e-alkoxy, C3<-cycloalkoxy, aryloxy, aralkoxy, heteroaralkoxy, d-e- alkylthio, arylthio or C3^-cycloalkylthio each of which is optionally substituted with one or more halogens; and YI is O or S; and Y2 is O or S; and Z is -{CH2)n- wherein n is 1 , 2 or 3; and RI is hydrogen, halogen or a substituent selected from j| • d-e-alkyl, C3-6-cycloalkyl, C2^-alkenyl, C2^lkynyl, aralkyl, heteroaralkyl, d-e-alkoxy, Ca-e-cycloalkoxy, aryloxy, aralkoxy, heteroaralkoxy, d-e-alkylthio, arylthio or C3-e-cycloalkylthio each of which is optionally substituted with one or more halogens; and R2 is hydrogen, d-e-alkyl, C3^-cycloalkyl, C^-alkenyl, C2^-alkynyl, C^-alkenynyl or aryl; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, or a pharmaceutically acceptable solvate thereof, or any tautomeric forms, stereoisomers, mixture of stereoisomers including a racemic mixture, or polymorphs.

2. A compound according to claim 1, wherein X1 is aryl or heteroaryl optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from ! • halogen; or : • Ci^-alkyl, aryl, d-e-alkoxy, d-e-alkylsulfonyl or d-e-alkylsulfonyloxy each of which is op tionally substituted with one or more halogens.

3. A compound according to claim 2, wherein XT is phenyl, furyl, thienyl, benzothienyl or benzofuranyl optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from • halogen; or ji i, aryl, C^-alkoxy, C^-alkylsulfonyl or Gf^-alkylsulfonyloxy each of which is optionally substituted with one or more halogens.

6. A compound according to claim 5, wherein X-\ is phenyl.

7. A compound according to claim 3^ wherein Xi is furyl, thienyl, benzothienyl or benzofu- ii ranyl with one or more substituents seleced from halogen, d-e-alkyl, aryl or perhalomethyl. I !i

8. A compound according to claim 7, wherein Xi i& furyl optionally substituted with one or more substituents seleced from halogen, d-e-alkylj! phenyl or trifluoromethyl. r

9. A compound according to claim 7, wherein XT is thienyl optionally substituted with one or more substituents seleced from halogen, d-e-alkyl, phenyl or trifluoromethyl.

10. A compound according to claim 7, wherein Xi-is benzothienyl optionally substituted with one or more substituents seleced from halogen, Ci^-alkyl, phenyl or trifluoromethyl.

11. A compound according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein X2 is arylene or het- eroarylene optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from • halogen; or I, • d-e-alkyl or d-e-alkoxy each of which is optionally substituted with one or more halogens. ;i

12. A compound according to claim 11, wherein Xz is phenylene optionally substituted with : 1 ! one or more substituents selected from • halogen; or • Ci-e-alkyI or d-e-alkoxy each of which is optionally substituted with one or more halogens. •I

13. A compound according to claim 12, wherein X2is phenylene optionally substituted with one or more halogens. ;;

14. A compound according to claim 13, wherein Xp is phenylene. >i

15. A compound according to claim 1 1 , wherein X? is benzofuranylene optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from , • halogen; or I l or C^-alkoxy each of which is optionally substituted with one or more halogens.

16. A compound according to claim 15, wherein Xz is benzofuranylene optionally substituted

17. A compound according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein X3 is aryl or het- eroaryl optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from j i • halogen; or j • d-e-alkyl, d-e-alkoxy, d-e-alkylsulfonyl or d-e-alkylsulfonyloxy each of which is optionally substituted with one or more halogens. j

18. A compound according to claim 17, wherein X3 is phenyl, furyl, thienyl, benzothienyl or benzofuranyl optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from • halogen; or • d-e-alkyl, d-e-alkoxy, d.6-alkylsulfonyl or d-e-alkylsulfonyloxy each of which is optionally substituted with one or more halogens. i<

19. A compound according to claim 18, wherein X3 is phenyl optionally substituted with one or more halogens. \20. A compound according to claim 1 8, wherein X3 is phenyl optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from d-e-alkyl or perihalomethyl.

21. A compound according to claim 18, wherein X3is phenyl. 1

22. A compound according to claim 1 8, wherein X3 is furyl, thienyl, benzothienyl or benzofu- ranyl optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from halogen, d-e-alkyl or perhalomethyl. 23T A compound according to claim 22, wherein Xg is furyl optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from halogen, d-e-alkyl!or trifluoromethyl.

24. A compound according to claim 22, wherein X3 is thienyl optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from halogen, d-e-alkyl or trifluoromethyl.

25. A compound according to claim 22, wherein X3 is benzothienyl optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from haloge/n, d-e-alkyl or trifluoromethyl.

26. A compound according to claim 22, wherein X3 is benzofuranyl optionally substituted I; with one or more substituents selected from halogen, Ci^-alkyl or trifluoromethyl. I;

27. A compound according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein Ar is phenylene which is optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from • halogen, hydroxy or cyano; or • d-e-alkyl, C3-6-cycloalkyl, C2-e-alkenyl, C2^-alk)[nyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aralkyl, heteroaral- kyl, d-e-alkoxy, C3^-cycloalkoxy, aryloxy, aralkoxy, heteroaralkoxy, d-e-alkylthio, arylthio or C3.6-cycloalkylthio each of which is optionally Substituted with one or more halogens.

28. A compound according to claim 27, wherein Ar is phenylene which is optionally substi tuted with one or more substituents selected from 5; • halogen; or i • d-e-alkyl, d-e-alkoxy, aryloxy or aralkoxy each 6f which is optionally substituted with one or more halogens. ;j I,

29. A compound according to claim 28, wherein Ar is phenylene which is optionally substi tuted with methyl. I

30. A compound according to claim 29, wherein Ar is phenylene.

31. A compound according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein YI is S.

32. A compound according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein Y2 is O. ;l

33. A compound according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein n is 1.

34. A compound according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein RI is hydrogen or a substituent selected from d-e-alkyl, aralkyl, d-e-alljbxy, aryloxy, aralkoxy each of which is optionally substituted with one or more halogens is hydrogen or a substituent selected optioally substituted with one or more halo-

35. A compound according to claim 34, wherein from d-e-alkyl or Ci-e-alkoxy each of which is gens.

36. A compound according to claim 35, wherein is hydrogen.

37. A compound according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein R2 is hydrogen

38. A compound according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein R2 is methyl or ethyl.

39. A compound according to any one of the preceding claims, which is: (E/Z){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(4-bromo-phenyl)-allylsulfanyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (E/Z){4-[3-(4-Bromo-phenyl)-3-(3I-trifluoromethyl-biphenyl-4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl- phenoxy}-acetic acid; or ! a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, or a pharmaceutically acceptable solvate thereof, or any tautomeric forms, stereoisomers, mixture of stereoisomers including a racemic mix ture, or polymorphs. !

40. A compound according to any one of the claims 1 to 38, which is: {4-[3-(4-Bromo-phenyl)-3-[1,1l;4',1"]terphenyl-4"-yl--allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}-acetic acid; | (E/Z)-[2-Methyl-4-[3-[5-(5-methylthiophen-2-yl)benzo[b]furan-2-yl]-3-(thiophen-2-yl)allyl- sulfanyl]phenoxy]acetic acid; ; (E/Z)-[4-[3-(Biphenyl-4-yl)-3-(furan-2-yl)allylsulfanyl]-2-methylphenoxy]aceticacid; (E/Z)-[4-[3-(Benzo[b]thiophen-3-yl)-3-(biphenyl-4-yl)allylsulfanyl]-2-methylphenoxy]acetic acid; |: [4-[(3-Benzo[b]thiophen-2-yl)-3-(biphenyl-4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy]-aceticacid; (E/Z)-[4-[3-(4-Biphenylyl)-3-(5-methylthiophen-2-yl)allylsulfanyl]-2-methylphenoxy]aceticacid; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, or a pharmaceutically acceptable solvate tnfcreof, or any tautomeric forms, stereoisomers, mixture of stereoisomers including a race- mic mixture, or polymorphs. ij 1!

41. A compound according to any one of the clairfis 1 to 38, which is: (E){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(2-fluoro-phenyl)-allylsulfahyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (Z){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(2-fluoro-phenyl)-allylsulfahyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (E){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(2-chloro-phenyl)-allylsulfanyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (Z){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(2-chloro-phenyl)-allylsulf^nyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (E){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(2-bromo-phenyl)-allylsulf^inyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (Z){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(2-bromo-phenyl)-allylsulfanyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (E){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(2-iodo-phenyl)-allylsulfari|yl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (Z){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(2-iodo-phenyl)-allylsulfan^l]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (E){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(2-methoxy-phenyl)-allylsijilfanyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (Z){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(2-methoxy-phenyl)-allylsulfanyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (E) {4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(2-trifluorom^thoxy-pheny|)-allylsulfanyl]-phenoxy}-acetic acid; (Z) {4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(2-trifluoromethoxy-pheny ^-allylsulfanyl]-phenoxy}-acetic acid; (E) {4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(2-methyl-phenyl)-allylsulfanyl]-phenoxy}-acetic acid; (Z){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(2-methyl-phenyl)-allylsulfanyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (E){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-allylsulfanyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (Z){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-allylsulfanyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (E){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(3-fluoro-phenyl)-allylsulfa'nyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (Z) {4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(3-fluoro-phenyl)-allylsulfanyl]-phenoxy}-acetic acid; (E){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(3-chloro-phenyl)-allylsulfanyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (Z){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(3-chIoro-phenyl)-allylsulf^nyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (E){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(3-bromo-phenyl)-allylsulf^nyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (Z){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(3-bromo-phenyl)-allylsulfanyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (E){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(3-iodo-phenyl)-allylsulfanyi]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (Z) {4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(3-iodo-phenyl)-allylsulfan^l]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (E){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(3-methoxy-phenyl)-allylstjlfanyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (Z){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(3-methoxy-phenyl)-allylsi^lfanyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (E) {4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyt)-allylsulfanyl]-phenoxy}-acetic acid; (Z){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-pheny])-allylsulfanyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (E){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(3-methyl-phenyl)-allylsulfanyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (Z){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(3-methyl-phenyl)-allylsulfanyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (E) {4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(3-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-iallylsulfanyl]-phenoxy}-acetic acid; (^^-[S-Biphenyl^-yl-S^S-trifluoromethyl-phenyO-j^llylsulfanyn-phenoxyJ-aceticacid; (E){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-allylsulfa|pyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (Z){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-allylsulfainyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (E){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(4-chloro-phenyl)-allylsulf^nyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (Z){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(4-chloro-phenyl)-allylsulfginyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (E/Z){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(4-bromo-phenyl)-allylsdlfanyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (E){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(4-bromo-phenyl)-allylsulfanyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (Z){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(4-bromo-phenyl)-allylsulf^nyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (E){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(4-iodo-phenyl)-allylsulfar^yl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (Z){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(4-iodo-phenyl)-allylsulfanyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (E){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-allylsililfanyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (Z){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-allylsdlfanyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (E){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(4-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-allylsulfanyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (Z) {4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(4-trifluoromethoxy-phenyj)-allylsulfanyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (E){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(4-methyl-phenyl)-allylsulfenyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; . I (Z){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(4-methyl-phenyl)-allylsulf&nyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; ; j! (E){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-;allylsulfanyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (Z) {4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-allylsulfanyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (E){4-[3-(4-Fluoro-phenyl)-3-(2'-trifluoromethyl-biphenyl-4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl- phenoxyj-acetic acid; ; (Z){4-[3-(4-Fluoro-phenyl)-3-(2'-trifluoromethyl-bip^enyl-4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}-acetic acid; (E/Z){4-[3-(4-Fluoro-phenyl)-3-(3'-trifluoromethyl-bi|phenyl-4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl- phenoxyj-acetic acid; !• (E){4-[3-(4-Fluoro-phenyi)-3-(3'-trifluoromethyl-biphenyl-4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl- phenoxyj-acetic acid; ; (Z){4-[3-(4-Fluoro-phenyl)-3-(3'-triflupromethyl-bip^enyl-4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}-acetic acid; (E){4-[3-(4-Fluoro-phenyl)-3-(4'-trifluoromethyl-biphenyl-4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl- phenoxyj-acetic acid; :, (Z){4-[3-(4-Fluoro-phenyl)-3-(4'-triflu6romethyl-biphenyl-4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxyj-acetic acid; (E){4-[3-(4-Fluoro-phenyl)-3-(3'-chloro-biphenyl-4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}-acetic acid; (^f4-[3-(4-Fluoro-phenyl)-3-(3'-chloro-biphenyl-4-ill)-allyIsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}-acetic acid; | (E){4-[3-(4-Fluoro-phenyl)-3-(4'-chloro-biphenyl-4-^l)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}-acetic acid; J! (Z){4-[3-(4-Fluoro-phenyl)-3-(4'-chloro-biphenyl-4-i|l)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}-acetic ; i: acid; || (E){4-[3-(4-Fluoro-phenyl)-3-(3'-methoxy-biphenyl-j4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}- acetic acid; \(Z){4-[3-(4-Fluoro-phenyl)-3-(3'-methoxy-biphenyl4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}- acetic acid; j i (E) {4-[3-(4-Fluoro-phenyl)-3-(4'-methoxy-biphenylT;4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}- i' acetic acid; !; (Z){4-[3-(4-Fluoro-phenyl)-3-(4'-methoxy-biphenylT4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}- ji acetic acid; | (E){4-[3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3-(2'-triflu6romethyl-bip|ienyl-4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxyj-acetic acid; (Z){4-[3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3-(2'-trifluoromethyl-bipnenyl-4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl- phenoxy}-acetic acid; :: (E/Z){4-[3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3-(3'-trifluoromethyl-biphenyl-4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl- phenoxyj-acetic acid; ' (E){4-[3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3-(3'-trifluoromethyl-bipJpenyl-4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl- phenoxyj-acetic acid; ; (Z){4-[3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3-(3'-trifluoromethyl-bip|ienyi-4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl- phenoxyj-acetic acid; j; (E){4-[3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3-(4'-triflubromethyl-bipliienyl-4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl- ' phenoxy}-acetic acid; (Z){4-[3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3-(4'-trifluoromethyl-bip|;ienyl-4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}-acetic acid; (E){4-[3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3-(3'-chloro-biphenyl-4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}-acetic acid; : (Z){4-[3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3-(3'-chloro-biphenyl-4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}-acetic acid; ['. (E){4-[3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3-(4'-chloro-biphenyl-4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}-acetic acid; ;' (^4-[3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3-(4'-chloro-biphenyl-4-^l)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}-acetic acid; ;! (E){4-[3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3-(3'-methoxy-biphenyl|4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}- acetic acid; ' j (Z){4-[3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3-(3'-metHoxy-biphenyl44-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}- acetic acid; j (E){4-[3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3-(4'-methoxy-biphenyl-k-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}- i acetic acid; j (Z){4-[3-{4-Chloro-phenyl)-3-(4'-methoxy-biphenyl44-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}- acetic acid; ' (E){4-[3-(4-Bromo-phenyl)-3-(2'-triflupromethyl-bipfienyl-4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl- phenoxy}-acetic acid; { (Z){4-[3-(4-Bromo-phenyl)-3-(2'-trifluoromethyl-bip|enyl-4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl- phenoxy}-acetic acid; I (E/Z){4-[3-(4-Bromo-phenyl)-3-(3'-trifluoromethyl-b;|phenyl-4-yl)-allylsuIfanyl]-2-methyl- ii phenoxy}-acetic acid; ; (E){4-[3-(4-Bromo-phenyl)-3-(3'-trifluoromethyl-biphenyI-4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}-acetic acid; (Z){4-[3-(4-Bromo-phenyl)-3-(3'-trifluoromethyl-bipt|ienyl-4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}-acetic acid; (E){4-[3-(4-Bromo-phenyl)-3-(4'-triflupromethyl-bipfienyl-4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl- ii phenoxy}-acetic acid; (Z){4-[3-(4-Bromo-phenyl)-3-(4'-triflu9romethyl-biphenyl-4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl- phenoxyj-acetic acid; • (E){4-[3-(4-Bromo-phenyl)-3-(3'-chloi[o-biphenyl-4^yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}-acetic acid; ; (Z){4-[3-(4-Bromo-phenyl)-3-(3'-chlorjo-biphenyl-4-yi)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}-acetic acid; ; (E){4-[3-(4-Bromo-phenyl)-3-(4'-chloro-biphenyl-4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}-acetic acid; :' (Z){4-[3-(4-Bromo-phenyl)-3-(4'-chloro-biphenyl-4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}-acetic acid; , (E){4-[3-(4-Bromo-phenyl)-3-(3'-methoxy-biphenyl|4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}-acetic acid; (a^f4-[3-(4-Bromo-phenyl)-3-(3'-methoxy-biphenyl'4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}- acetic acid; . |i (E){4-[3-(4-Bromo-phenyl)-3-(4'-methoxy-bipheny|i|4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}- acetic acid; (Z){4-[3-(4-Bromo-phenyl)-3-(4'-methoxy-biphenyl-4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}- acetic acid; or ; a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, or a pharmaceutically acceptable solvate thereof, or any tautomeric forms, stereoisomers, mixture ofJBtereoisomers including a racemic mix- i ture, or polymorphs. \i ii

42. A compound according to any one of the preceding claims, which is a PPAR5 agonist. •ji (j

43. A compound according to claim 42, which is a selective PPAR8 agonist.

44. The use of a compound according to any one tical composition. of the preceding claims as a pharmaceu-

45. A pharmaceutical composition cpmprising, as an active ingredient, at least one compound according to any one of the claims 1-43 together with one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers or excipients.

46. A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 45 in unit dosage form, comprising from about 0.05 mg to about 1000 mg, preferably fijom about 0.1 to about 500 mg of and especially preferred from about 0.5 mg to about 200 mg per day of compound according to any one of the claims 1-43. ;i : ii

47. A pharmaceutical composition for the treatment and/or prevention of conditions ji mediated by nuclear receptors, in particular the Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors (PPAR), the composition comprising a compound according to any one of the claims 1-43 together with one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers or excipients.

48. A pharmaceutical composition for the treatment and/or prevention of type I diabetes, type II diabetes, impaired glucose tolerance, insulin resistance or obesity comprising a compound according to any of the claims 1-43 together with one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers or excipients. ;

49. A pharmaceutical composition according to an^ one of the claims 45-48 for oral, nasal, transdermal, pulmonal, or parenteral administration. | 'I

50. Use of a compound according to any one of tljie claims 1-43 for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment and/|r prevention of conditions mediated by j ji nuclear receptors, in particular the Peroxisome Prqliferator-Activated Receptors (PPAR). !• ii

51. Use of a compound according tq any one of tie claims 1-43 for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment and/«|r prevention of Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, syndrome X (including the rinetabolic syndrome, i.e. impaired glucose tolerance, insulin resistance, hypertrigyceridaemia'and/or obesity), cardiovascular diseases (including atherosclerosis) and hypercholesteremia.

52. A method for thetreatment and/or preventiorjjof conditions mediated by nuclear ti receptors, in particular the Peroxisome ProliferatorfActivated Receptors (PPAR), the method ti comprising administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of a compound according to any one of the claims 1-43 or a pharmaceutical composition comprising the same.

53. A method for the treatment and/or prevention of type I diabetes, type II diabetes, impaired glucose tolerance, insulin resistance or obesity, the method comprising administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of a compound according to j. any one of the claims 1-43 or of a pharmaceutical composition comprising the same.

54. The method according to claims;52 or 53 wherein the effective amount of the compound according to any one of the claims 1-43 is in the rajjige of from about 0.05 mg to about 1000 ! !(•' mg, preferably from about 0.1 to about 500 mg of and especially preferred from about 0.5 mg to about 200 mg per day.

WOVEL COMPOUNDS, THEIR PREPARATION AND USE FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relate^ to novel core pounds, to the use of these compounds as pharmaceutical compositions, to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds and to a method of treatment employing these corr Dounds and compositions. More specifically, the compounds of the invention can be utilise d in the treatment and/or prevention of conditions mediated by the Peroxisome Proliferate -Activated Receptors (PPAR), in particular the PPAR8 subtype. j BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION ] Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the major cause of death in Type 2 diabetic and within the 'deadly quartet' category of im-riglyceridaemia and/or obesity). ic thiazolidinediones separately display ialthough they are neither potent nor effi- i metabolic syndrome patients (i.e. patients that fall paired glucose tolerance, insulin resistance, hyperl The hypolipidaemic fibrates ! isohexylsulfonyloxy and the like. The term "C^-alkylamido" as used herein,; refers to an acyl group linked through an amino group; Representative examples include, bqt are not limited to acetylamino, propionyl-amino, butyrylamino, isobutyrylaminOi pivaloylamir^o, valerylamino and the like. The term "C3^-cycloalkyl" as used herein, alone or in combination, represent a saturated monocyclic hydrocarbon group having the indicated number of carbon atoms. Representative examples include, but are not limited to cycldpropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl and the like. The term "C2^-alkenyr' as used herein, represent an olefinically unsaturated branched or straight hydrocarbon group having froiri 2 to the specified number of carbon atoms and at least one double bond. Representative/examples include, but are not limited to, l, 1-propenyl, 2-propenyl, allyl, iso-propenyl, 1,3-butadienyl, 1-butenyl, hexenyl, pentenyl and the like. :: The term "C2^-alkynyl" as used herein, represent an unsaturated branched or straight hydrocarbon group having from 2 to the specified number of carbon atoms and at least one triple bond. Representative examples include, but are not limited to, 1-propynyl, 2-propynyl, 1-butynyl, 2-butynyl, 1-pentynyl, 2-pentyriyl and the like. The term "C^-alkenynyl" as used herein, represent an unsaturated branched or straight hydrocarbon group having from 4 to the specified number of carbon atoms and both at least one double bond and at least one triple bond. Representative examples include, but are not limited to, 1-penten-4-ynyl, 3-penten-1-ynyf, 1,3-hexadiene-5-ynyl and the like. >i The term "d-e-alkoxy" as used herein, alonte or in combination, refers to a straight or branched configuration linked through an ether oxygen having its free valence bond from the ether oxygen. Examples of linear alkoxy groups are toiethoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, butoxy, pentoxy, ' V hexoxy and the like. Examples of branched alkoxy are isopropoxy, sec-butoxy, tert-butoxy, isopentyloxy, isohexyloxy and the like. The term "Ca^-cycloalkoxy" as used herein alone or in combination, represent a saturated monocyclic hydrocarbon group having the indicated number of carbon atoms linked through an ether oxygen having its free valence bond from the ether oxygen. Examples of cycloalkoxy groups are cyclopropyloxy, cyclobutyloxy, cyclopentyloxy, cyclohexyloxy and the like. i' The term "Ci-e-alkylthio" as used herein, alpne or in combination, refers to a straight or branched monovalent substituent comprising a "d^-alky!" group as defined above linked through a divalent sulfur atom having its free valence bond from the sulfur atom and having 1 to 6 carbon atoms. Representative examples include, but are not limited to, methylthio, ethylthio, propylthio, butylthio, pentylthio and the like. The term "C^-cycloalkylthio" as used herein, alone or in combination, represent a saturated monocyclic hydrocarbon group having the indicated number of carbon atoms linked through a divalent sulfur atom having its free valence bond from the sulfur atom. Examples of cycloalkoxy groups are cyclopropylthio, cyclobutylthio, cyclopentylthio, cyclohexylthio and the like. The term "Ci-e-alkylamino" as used herein;: alone or in combination, refers to a straight or branched monovalent substituent comprising a "d-e-alkyl" group as defined above linked through amino having a free valence bond frjom the nitrogen atom. Representative examples include, but are not limited to, methylamirio, ethylamino, propylamino, butylamino, pentylamino and the like. **- The term "Ci^-alkylaminocarbonyl" as use<$ herein refers to a monovalent substituent comprising a Ci^-monoalkylamino group linked through a carbonyl group such as e.g. methyl-aminocarbonyl, ethylaminocarbonyl, n-propylaminoqarbonyl, isopropylaminocarbonyl, n-butylaminocarbonyl, sec-butylaminocarbonyl, isobutylaminocarbonyl, tert-butylaminocarbonyl, n-pentylaminocarbonyl, 2-methylbutylaminocarbonyji 3-methylbutylaminocarbonyl, n-hexyl-aminocarbonyl, 4-methylpentylaminocarbonyl, neop|ntylaminocarbonyl, n-hexylaminocarbonyl and 2-2-dimethylpropylaminocarbonyl and the like. '! The term "Ca-e-cycloalkylamino" as used herein, alone or in combination, represent a saturated monocyclic hydrocarbon group having the! indicated number of carbon atoms linked through amino having a free valence bond from the; nitrogen atom. Representative examples include, but are not limited to, cyclopropylamino, cyelobutylamino, cyclopentylamino, cyclo- hexylamino and the like. j The term "Ci^-alkoxyCi^-alkyl" as used herein, alone or in combination, refers to a .ii "d-e-alkyl" group as defined above whereto is attached a "C^-alkoxy" group as defined above. Representative examples include, but are rjbt limited to, methoxymethyl, ethoxy-methyl, methoxyethyl, ethoxyethyl and the like. |i The term "aryl" as used herein refers to an aromatic monocyclic or an aromatic fused bi- or tricyclic hydrocarbon group. Representative examples include, but are not limited to, phenyl, naphthyl, anthracenyl, phenanthrenyl, azulenyl and the like. The term "arylene" as used herein refers to divalent aromatic monocyclic or a divalent aromatic fused bi- or tricyclic hydrocarbon group. Representative examples include, but are not limited to, phenylene, naphthylene and the like. ]| The term "arylcarbonyl" as used herein represents an "aryl" group as defined above linked through a carbonyl group. Representative examples include, but are not limited to, phenylcarbonyl, naphthylcarbonyl, anthracenylcarbolnyl, phenanthrenylcarbonyl, azulenylcar-bonyl and the like The term "arylsulfonyl" as used herein refers to an "aryl" group as defined above linked through a sulfonyl group. Representative examples include, but are not limited to, phenylsulfonyl, naphthylsulfonyl, anthracenylsulfonyl, phenanthrenylsulfonyl, azulenylsulfonyl, and the like. The term "arylsulfonyloxy" as used herein refers to an "aryl" group as defined above linked through a sulfonyloxy group. Representative examples include, but are not limited to, phenylsulfonyloxy, naphthylsulfonyloxy, anthracenylsulfonyloxy, phenanthrenylsulfonyloxy, az-ulenylsulfonyloxy, and the like. *"~ The term "arylamido" as used herein refers; to an arylcarbonyl group linked through an amino group. Representative examples include; but are not limited to phenylcarbonyl- amino, naphthylcarbonylamino, anthracenylcarbonytamino, phenanthrenylcarbonylamino, azulenylcarbonylamino and the like. ! The term "halogen" means fluorine, chlorine, bromine or iodine. The term "perhalomethyl" means trifluoromethyl, trichloromethyl, tribromomethyl or triiodomethyl. '.': The term "perhalomethoxy" means trifluoromethoxy, trichloromethoxy, tribromo- methoxy or triiodomethoxy. \. {• The term "d-e-dialkylamino" as used herejh refers to an amino group wherein the t two hydrogen atoms independently are substitutedjwith a straight or branched, saturated hydrocarbon chain having the indicated number of j^arbon atoms. Representative examples include, but are not limited to, dimethylamino, N-etfjyl-N-methylamino, diethylamino, dipropyl- amino, N-(n-butyl)-N-methylamino, di(n-pentyl)ami^io and the like. i The term "acyl" as used herein refers to almonovalent substituent comprising a "C^ e-alkyl" group as defined above linked through a carbonyl group. Representative examples include, but are not limited to, acetyl, propionyl, butyryl, isobutyryl, pivaloyl, valeryl and the like. The term "heteroaryl" as used herein, alone or in combination, refers to a monovalent substituent comprising a 5-7 membereid monocyclic aromatic system or a 8-10 membered bicyclic aromatic system containing one or more heteroatoms selected from nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur, e.g. furyl, thienyl, pyrrblyl, imidazolyl, pyrazolyl, triazolyl, pyridyl, pyrazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyridazinyl, isothiazolyl, isoxazolyl, oxazolyl, oxadiazolyl, thiadiazolyl, quinolyl, isoquinolyl, quinazolinyl, quinoxalinnyl, indolyl, benzimidazolyl, benzofuranyl, benzothienyl, pteridinyl and purinyl and the like. ^ The term "heteroarylene" as used herein, alone or in combination, refers to divalent 5-7 membered monocyclic aromatic system or a 8-10 membered bicyclic aromatic system containing one or more heteroatoms selected from; nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur, e.g. furylene, thienylene, pyrrolylene, imidazolylene, pyrazolylenfc, triazolylene, pyrazinylene, pyrimi-dinylene, pyridazinylene, isothiazolylene, isoxazolylene, oxazolylene, oxadiazolylene, thiadiazolylene, quinolylene, isoquinolylene, quinazolinylene, quinoxalinnylene, indolylene, benzimidazolylene, benzofuranylene, pteridinylene;and purinylene and the like. The term "heteroaryloxy" as used herein, alone or in combination, refers to a heteroaryl as defined herein linked to an oxygen atom having its free valence bond from the oxygen atom e.g. pyrrolyloxy, imidazolyloxy, pyrazolyloxy, triazolyloxy, pyrazinyloxy, l^fimidinyloxy, pyridazinyloxy, isothiazolyloxy, isoxjazolyloxy, oxazolyloxy, oxadiazolyloxy, ], thiadiazolyloxy, quinolinyloxy, isoquinplinyloxy, quiijiazolinyloxy, quinoxalinyloxy, indolyloxy, ji benzimidazolyloxy, benzofuranyloxy, pteridinyloxy Qnd purinyloxy and the like. The term "aralkyl" as used herein refers tcjja straight or branched saturated carbon chain containing from 1 to 6 carbons substituted with an aromatic carbohydride. Representative examples include, but are not limited to, benzyl, phenethyl, 3-phenylpropyl, 1-naphthyl- The term "aryloxy" as used herein refers t6 phenoxy, 1-naphthyloxy, 2-naphthyloxy and the like. The term "aralkoxy" as used herein refersijto a Ci^-alkoxy group substituted with an aromatic carbohydride, such as benzyloxy, phenetfioxy, 3-phenylpropoxy, 1-naphthyl- methoxy, 2-(1-naphtyl)ethoxy and the like. j The term "heteroaralkyl" as Used herein refers to a straight or branched saturated carbon chain containing from 1 to 6 carbons substituted with a heteroaryl group; such as (2- ' , i furyl)methyl, (3-furyl)methyl, (2-thienyl)methyl, (3-trnienyl)methyl, (2-pyridyl)methyl, 1-methyl- 1-(2-pyrimidyl)ethyl and the like. The term "heteroaralkoxy" as used herein refers to a heteroarylalkyl as defined herein linked to an oxygen atom having its free valence bond from the oxygen atom. Representative examples include, but are not limited to, (2-furyl)methyloxy, (3-furyl)- methyloxy, (2-thienyl)methyloxy, (3-thienyl)methylOxy, (2-pyridyl)methyloxy, 1-methyl-1-(2- pyrimidyl)ethyloxy and the like. ;: The term "arylthio" as used herein, alone ofj in combination, refers to an aryl group linked through a divalent sulfur atom having its free valence bond from the sulfur atom, the aryl group optionally being mono- or polysubstituted with} C^-alkyl, halogen, hydroxy or C^-alkoxy. Representative examples include, but are not limited to, phenylthio, (4-methylphenyl)-thio, (2- chlorophenyl)thio and the like. i: Certain of the above defined terms may occur more than once in the structural formulae, and upon such occurrence each term shall be defined independently of the other. The term "optionally substituted" as used herein means that the groups in question are either unsubstituted or substituted with one or more of the substituents specified. When the groups in question are substituted with more than one substituent the substituents may be the same or different. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to compounds of the general formula (I): (Figure Remove) wherein X^ is aryl or heteroaryl each of which is optionally substituted with one or more sub-stituents selected from • halogen, hydroxy, cyano, amino or carboxy;; or • C-i-e-alkyl, C3-6-cycloalkyl, C2^-alkenyl, C2^-alkynyl, aryl, aralkyl, heteroaryl, hetero- aralkyl, C^-alkoxy, C3^-cycloalkoxy, aryloxy, aralkoxy, heteroaralkoxy, Ci^-alkylthio, arylthio, C3^-cycloalkylthio, C^-alkylcarboriyl, arylcarbonyl, Ci^-alkylsulfonyl, arylsul- fonyl, d-s-alkylsulfonyloxy, arylsulfonyloxy,!Ci-6-alkylamido, arylamido, d-e-alkyl- ij aminocarbonyl, C-i-e-alkylamino, d-e-dialkyl^mino or C3^-cycloalkylamino each of which is optionally substituted with one or itjore halogens; and li X2 is arylene or heteroarylene each of which is optionally substituted with one or more sub-stituents selected from • halogen, hydroxy, cyano, amino or carboxy; or • C^-alkyl, C3.6-cycloalkyl, C2-6-alkenyl, C2-6-alkynyl, C^-alkoxy, C3^-cycloalkoxy, C^-alkylthio, C3^-cycloalkylthio, Ci^-alkylarnino, Ci^-dialkylamino or C3^-cycloalkyl- amino each of which is optionally substituted with one or more halogens; and X3 is aryl or heteroaryl each of which is optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from i; • halogen, hydroxy, cyano, amino or carboxy; or • C^-alkyl, C3^-cycloalkyl, C2^-alkenyl, C2.6nalkynyl, aralkyl, heteroaralkyl, C^-alkoxy, C3-6-cycloalkoxy, aryloxy, aralkoxy, heteroaralkoxy, C^-alkylthio, arylthio, C3^-cyclo- alkylthio, Ci^-alkylcarbonyl, arylcarbonyl, C^-alkylsulfonyl, arylsulfonyl, C^-alkyl- sulfonyloxy, arylsulfonyloxy, Gi-e-alkylamido, arylamido, Ci^-alkylaminocarbonyl, C^- alkylamino, Ci^-dialkylamino or C3^-cycloalkylamino each of which is optionally sub stituted with one or more halogens; and i, Ar is arylene which is optionally substituted with on£ or more substituents selected from • halogen, hydroxy or cyano; or '*"- • Ci^-alkyl, C3.e-cycloalkyl, C2^-alkenyl, C2jJ3-alkynyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aralkyl, het-eroaralkyl, C^-alkoxy, C3^-cycloalkoxy, a^yloxy, aralkoxy, heteroaralkoxy, alkylthio, arylthio or Cs^-cycloalkylthio eacN of which is optionally substituted with one or more halogens; and Y^sOorSiand Y2 is O or S; and Z is -(CH2)n- wherein n is 1 , 2 or 3; and j R! is hydrogen, halogen or a substituent selected fftom ^ • C-i-e-alkyl, C3.6-cycloalkyl, C2-6-alkenyl, C2^-4|lkynyl, aralkyl, heteroaralkyl, Ci C3-6-cycloalkoxy, aryloxy, aralkoxy, heteroaralkoxy, d-e-alkylthio, arylthio or C3^-cycloalkylthio each of which is optionally substituted with one or more halogens; and ;l ] | R2 is hydrogen, Ci^-alkyl, C^-cycloalkyl, C2^-alkenyl, C2^-alkynyl, C^-alkenynyl or aryl; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, or a pharmaceutically acceptable solvate thereof, or any tautomeric forms, stereoisomers, mixture of stereoisomers including a racemic mix ture, or polymorphs. :, f: In one embodiment, the present invention's concerned with compounds of formula (I) wherein Xi is aryl optionally substituted with one; or more substituents selected from • halogen; or • d-e-alkyl, aryl, Ci^-alkoxy, d-e-alkylsulfonyl or G-i-e-alkylsulfonyloxy each of which is op tionally substituted with one or more halogens. In another embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of formula (I) wherein Xi is aryl optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from • halogen; or • d-e-alkyl or aryl optionally substituted with one or more halogens. In another embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of fomula (I) wherein X-, is aryl optionally substituted with one or more halogens, phenyl or per-halomethyl. In another embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of tWTiula (I) wherein XT is aryl. In another embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of formula (I) wherein Xi is phenyl optionally substituted With one or more substituents selected from • Ci-e-alkyl, aryl, Ci-e-alkoxy, C-i-e-alkylsulfonyl or (Ji^-alkylsulfonyloxy each of which is op tionally substituted with one or more halogens, i In another embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of for mula (I) wherein X1 is phenyl optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from i • halogen; or I • Ci-e-alkyI or aryl optionally substituted with one 6r more halogens. In another embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of formula (I) wherein X, is phenyl optionally substituted with one or more halogens. In another embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of for- d mula (I) wherein XT is phenyl optionally substituted ^vith one or more of phenyl. In another embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of formula (I) wherein XT is phenyl optionally substituted with one or more of perhalomethyl. In another embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of formula (I) wherein XT is phenyl. In another embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of formula (I) wherein X1 is heteroaryl optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected •i from i • halogen; or ;, • d-e-alkyl, aryl, Ci^-alkoxy, d-e-alkylsulfonyl or d-e-alkylsulfonyloxy each of which is op tionally substituted with one or more halogens. ' In another embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of formula (I) wherein XT is heteroaryl optiopally substituted with one or more substituents selected from • halogen; or • Ci-6-alkyl or aryl optionally substituted with one or more halogens. In another embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of formula (I) wherein XT is heteroaryl optionally substituted with one or more halogens. ~ In another embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of for- mula (I) wherein Xi is heteroaryl optionally substituted with one or more of d-e-alkyl or perha- lomethyl. j: In another embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of for- , i mula (I) wherein Xi is heteroaryl. !! In another embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of for mula (I) wherein Xi is furyl, thienyl, benzothienyl orjbenzofuranyl optionally substituted with one or more halogens. ' 'I I In another embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of for mula (I) wherein XT is furyl, thienyl, benzothienyl or benzofuranyl optionally substituted with one or more of Ci-e-alkyl. ] In another embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of formula (I) wherein X2is arylene optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected i from ! • halogen; or S| • Ci-e-alkyI or d-e-alkoxy each of which is optionally substituted with one or more halogens. In another embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of formula (I) wherein X2 is arylene optionally substituted with one or more halogens. In another embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of formula (I) wherein X2 is arylene optionally substituted with one or more of d-e-alkyl. In another embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of formula (I) wherein X2 is arylene. In another embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of for mula (I) wherein X2 is phenylene optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from ; • halogen; or • d-e-alkyl or d-e-alkoxy each of which is optionally substituted with one or more halogens. In another embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of formula (I) wherein X2 is phenylene optionally substituted with one or more halogens. In another embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of formula (I) wherein X2is phenylene optionally substituted with one or more of d-e-alkyl. ; In another embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of formula (I) wherein X2 is phenylene. In another embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of formula (I) wherein X2is heteroarylene optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from • halogen; or • C^-alkyl or C^-alkoxy each of which is optionally substituted with one or more halogens. In another embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of formula (I) wherein X2 is heteroarylene optionally substituted with one or more halogens. In another embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of formula (I) wherein X2 is heteroarylene. In another embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of for mula (I) wherein X2 is benzofuranylene. j In another embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of formula (I) wherein X3 is aryl optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from • halogen; or i; • C^-alkyl, Ci^-alkoxy, C^-alkylsulfonyl or C-i-e-aijfkylsulfonyloxy each of which is optionally substituted with one or more halogens. | In another embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of formula (I) wherein X3is aryl optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from • halogen; or • Ci.6-alkyl optionally substituted with one or more halogens. In another embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of formula (I) wherein X3 is aryl. In another embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of formula (I) wherein X3is phenyl optionally substituted With one or more substituents selected from • halogen; or !: • C^-alkyl, Ci-e-alkoxy, Ci^-alkylsulfonyl or C^-aJkylsulfonyloxy each of which is optionally substituted with one or more halogens. :; In another embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of for mula (I) wherein X3is phenyl optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from ?; • halogen; or • Ci^-alkyl optionally substituted with one or more; halogens. In another embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of for- : 1 mula (I) wherein X3is phenyl optionally substituted yvith one or more halogens. In another embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of for mula (I) wherein X3is phenyl. >| In another embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of for mula (I) wherein X3 is heteroaryl optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from i • halogen; or jj • d-e-alkyl, d-e-alkoxy, d-e-alkylsulfonyl or d-e-a|kylsulfonyloxy each of which is optionally substituted with one or more halogens. i! In another embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of for- 'i mula (I) wherein X3is heteroaryl optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from :! ji • halogen; or ]! • d-e-alkyl optionally substituted with one or more, halogens. In another embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of formula (I) wherein X3is heteroaryl optionally substituted with one or more halogens. In another embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of formula (I) wherein X3is heteroaryl optionally substituted with one or more of d-e-alkyl. In another embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of formula (I) wherein X3 is heteroaryl. In another embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of for mula (I) wherein X3 is furyl, thienyl, benzothienyl or benzofuranyl optionally substituted with one or more halogens. : In another embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of formula (I) wherein X3is furyl, thienyl, benzothienyl orjbenzofuranyl optionally substituted with one or more of d-e-alkyl. In another embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of formula (I) wherein X3 is furyl, thienyl, benzothienyl or'benzofuranyl. In another embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of for mula (I) wherein Ar is phenylene which is optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from | • halogen, hydroxy or cyano; or •' • d-e-alkyl, C3.6-cycloalkyl, C2-6-alkenyl, C2-6-alkynyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aralkyl, heteroaral- kyl, d-e-alkoxy, C^-cycloalkoxy, aryloxy, aralk^xy, heteroaralkoxy, d-e-alkylthio, arylthio or C3-6-cycloalkylthio each of which is optionally Substituted with one or more halogens. In another embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of for mula (1) wherein Ar is phenylene which is optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from < • halogen; or |j j j • Ci-e-alkyl, aryl, Ci^-alkoxy, aryloxy or aralkoxy each of which is optionally substituted with one or more halogens. ;; In another embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of for- i| mula (I) wherein Ar is phenylene which is optionally! substituted with one or more halogens. In another embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of formula (I) wherein Ar is phenylene which is optionally substituted with one or more Ci^-alkyl optionally substituted with one or more halogens, ji f i In another embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds offer- •i: mula (I) wherein Ar is phenylene which is optionally substituted with one or more d^-alkoxy optionally substituted with one or more halogens, j In another embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds offer- I '•' mula (I) wherein Ar is phenylene which is optionally substituted with one or more aryl option-ally substituted with one or more halogens. In another embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of formula (I) wherein Ar is phenylene which is optionally substituted with methyl. In another embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of formula (I) wherein Ar is phenylene which is optionally; substituted with metoxy. In another embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of formula (I) wherein Ar is phenylene which is optionally substituted with one or more of phenyl. In another embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of for mula (I) wherein Ar is phenylene. ;i In another embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of for mula (I) wherein YI is S. !; In another embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of for mula (I) wherein Y! is O. : ,i In another embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of formula (I) wherein Y2 is O. In another embodiment, the present invenlion is concerned with compounds of for mula (I) wherein Y2 is S. i In another embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of formula (I) wherein n is 1. In another embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of for- ila (I) wherein RI is hydrogen or a substituent selected from : I • Ci-e-alkyI, aralkyl, Ci^-alkoxy, aryloxy, aralkoxy feach of which is optionally substituted with one or more halogens. < d In another embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of formula (I) wherein RI is hydrogen or a substituent selected from • Ci^-alkyl, Ci-e-alkoxy each of which is optionally substituted with one or more halogens. In another embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of for mula (I) wherein RI is hydrogen. '! In another embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of for mula (I) wherein R, is methoxy or ethoxy. :< In another embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of formula (I) wherein R2 is hydrogen. jj In another embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of formula (I) wherein R2 is methyl or ethyl. ii In another embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of formula I wherein alkyl is methyl or ethyl. ; In another embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of formula I wherein alkenyl is vinyl or 1-propenyl. i In another embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of formula I wherein alkynyl is 1-propynyl. r-- In another embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of formula I wherein alkenynyl is 1-pentene-4-yne. ;j In another embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of formula I wherein alkoxy is methoxy, ethoxy, isopropoxy or cyclopropoxy. In another embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of formula I wherein aryl is phenyl. .<• In another embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of formula I wherein arylene is phenylene. In another embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of formula I wherein halogen is bromine, fluorine or chlorine. In another embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of formula I wherein perhalomethyl is trifluoromethyl.j In another embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of formula I wherein perhalomethoxy is trifluoromethdxy, In another embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of formula I wherein heteroaryl is furyl or thienyl. j; In another embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of I formula I wherein aralkyl is benzyl. i; In another embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of formula I wherein aryloxy is phenoxy. ! In another embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of formula I wherein aralkoxy is benzyloxy. ;: In another embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of ! 'I i formula I wherein the substituents RI and X3 are arranged in a trans-configuration. >! In another embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of formula I wherein the substituents RI and X3 are arranged in a cis-configuration. ij In another embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of i| formula I which are PPAR5 agonists. ji In another embodiment, the present inven|ion is concerned with compounds of M formula I which are selective PPAR8 agonists. || Examples of specific compounds of the invention are: (E/Z) {4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(4-bromo-phenyl)-allylsiilfanyl]-phenoxy}-acetic acid, (E/Z){4-[3-(4-Bromo-phenyl)-3-(3'-trifluoromethyl-biphenyl-4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}-acetic acid; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, or a pharmaceutically acceptable solvate thereof, or any tautomeric forms, stereoisomers, mixture ofstereoisomers including a racemic mix ture, or polymorphs. ;• Other examples of specific compounds of the invention are: {4-[3-(4-Bromo-phenyl)-3-[1,1';4',1"]terphenyl-4"-yltallylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}-acetic acid, |; (E/Z)-[2-Methyl-4-[3-[5-(5-methylthiophen-2-yl)benzo[b]furan-2-yl]-3-(thiophen-2-yl)allyl- sulfanyl]phenoxy]acetic acid, ' (E/Z)-[4-[3-(Biphenyl-4-yl)-3-(furan-2-yl)allylsulfanylj-2-methylphenoxy]aceticacid, (E/Z)-[4-[3-(Benzo[b]thiophen-3-yl)-3-(biphenyl-4-yi)allylsulfanyl]-2-methylphenoxy]acetic acid, [4-[(3-Benzo[b]thiophen-2ryl)-3-(biphenyl-4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy]-aceticacid, (E/Z)-[4-[3-(4-Biphenylyl)-3-(5-methylthiophen-2-yl)allylsulfanyl]-2-methylphenoxy]aceticacid, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, or a 'pharmaceutically acceptable solvate reof, or any tautomeric forms, stereoisomers, mixture of stereoisomers including a race- mic mixture, or polymorphs. j Other examples of specific compounds of ^he invention are: (E){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(2-fluoro-phenyl)-allylsulfa!nyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (Z){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(2-fluoro-phenyl)-allylsulfa||iyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (E){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(2-chloro-phenyl)-allylsulf?inyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (Z){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(2-chloro-phenyl)-allylsulf^nyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (E){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(2-bromo-phenyl)-allylsulf^inyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (Z){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(2-bromo-phenyl)-allylsulf|nyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (E){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(2-iodo-phenyl)-allylsulfanyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; ' I'1 (Z){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(2-iodo-phenyl)-allylsulfan|yi]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (E){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(2-methoxy-phenyl)-allylsi|ilfanyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (Z){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(2-methoxy-phenyl)-allylsi|lfanyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (E){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(2-trifluoromethoxy-pheny|)-allylsulfanyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (Z){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(2-trifluorom0thoxy-pheny|-allylsulfanyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (E){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(2-methyl-phenyl)-allylsulfjpnyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; ! ^! (Z){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(2-methyl-phenyl)-allylsulf9nyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (E){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)^allylsulfanyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (Z){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-allylsulfanyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (E){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(3-fluoro-phenyl)-allylsulfanyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (Z){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(3-fluoro-phenyl)-allylsulfa;nyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (E){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(3-chloro-phenyl)-allylsulfanyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (Z){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(3-chloro-phenyl)-allylsulf$nyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (E){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(3-bromo-phenyl)-allylsulfanyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (Z){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(3-bromo-phenyl)-allylsulfanyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (E){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(3-iodo-phenyl)-allylsulfanyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (Z){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(3-iodo-phenyl)-allylsulfanyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (E){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(3-methoxy-phenyl)-allylsalfanyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (Z){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(3-methoxy-phenyl)-allylsi^lfanyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (E){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyJ)-allylsulfanyl]-phenoxy}-acetic acid; (Z) {4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-allylsulfanyl]-phenoxy}-acetic acid; (E) {4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(3-methyl-phenyl)-allylsulf^nyl]-phenoxy}-acetic acid; (Z){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(3-methyl-phenyl)-allylsulfanyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (E){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(3-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-allylsulfanyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (Z){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(3-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-^llylsulfanyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; p)^4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-allylsulfanyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (Z){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-allylsulfajbyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; '!' (E){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(4-chloro-phenyl)-allylsulfa(nyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; 1! (Z){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(4-chloro-phenyl)-allylsulf^nyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (E/Z){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(4-bromo-phenyl)-allylsii(lfanyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (E){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(4-bromo-phenyl)-allylsulf^nyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (Z){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(4-bromo-phenyl)-allylsulf^nyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (E){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(4-iodo-phenyl)-allylsulfan|yl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; i i| (Z){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(4-iodo-phehyl)-allylsulfanyi]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (E){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(4-methoxy-f)henyl)-allylsiiilfanyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (Z){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-allylstilfanyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (E){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(4-trifluorombthoxy-phenyl)-allylsulfanyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (Z) {4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(4-trifluoromethoxy-pheny^-allylsulfanyl]-phenoxy}-acetic acid; (E) {4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(4-methyl-phenyl)-allylsulranyl]-phenoxy}-acetic acid; (Z){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(4-methyl-phenyl)-allylsul^nyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (E){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-|iillylsulfanyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (Z){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)^allylsulfanyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (E){4-[3-(4-Fluoro-phenyl)-3-(2'-trifluoromethyl-biphenyl-4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl- phenoxy}-acetic acid; i (Z){4-[3-(4-Fluoro-phenyl)-3-(2'-trifluoromethyl-biphenyl-4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl- phenoxyj-acetic acid; || (E/Z){4-[3-(4-Fluoro-phenyl)-3-(31-trifluoromethyl-bj,phenyl-4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl- phenoxyj-acetic acid; | (E){4-[3-(4-Fluoro-phenyl)-3-(3'-trifluoromethyl-biphenyl-4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl- phenoxyj-acetic acid; I; (Z){4-[3-(4-Fluoro-phenyl)-3-(3'-trifluoromethyl-biptienyl-4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl- phenoxy}-acetic acid; ; i| (E){4-[3-(4-Fluoro-phenyl)-3-(4'-trifluoromethyl-bip|ienyl-4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl- phenoxyj-acetic acid; ; (Z){4-[3-(4-Fluoro-phenyl)-3-(4'-trifluoromethyl-bipllenyl-4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl- phenoxy}-acetic acid; > (E){4-[3-(4-Fluoro-phenyl)-3-(3'-chloro-biphenyl-4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}-acetic acid; (Z) {4-[3-(4-Fluoro-phenyl)-3-(3'-chlorp-biphenyl-4-yi)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}-acetic acid; L, ' '' (l^^^^-Fluoro-phenyO-S^'-chloro-biphenyl^-yO-allylsulfanyll^-methyl-phenoxy^acetic i \ ! acid; i i (Z){4-[3-(4-Fluoro-phenyl)-3-(4'-chloro-biphenyl-4-^l)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}-acetic acid; jj (E){4-[3-(4-Fluoro-phenyl)-3-(31-methoxy-biphenyli4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}-acetic acid; (Z){4-[3-(4-Fluoro-phenyl)-3-(3'-methoxy-biphenyl4jt-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}- acetic acid; !j (E){4-[3-(4-Fluoro-phenyl)-3-(4'-methoxy-biphenyhft-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}-aceticacid; i ' i (Z){4-[3-(4-Fluoro-phenyl)-3-(4'-methbxy-biphenyl-|t-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}- acetic acid; • (E){4-[3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3-(2'-trifluoromethyl-bip|enyl-4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl- phenoxy}-acetic acid; 1 (Z){4-[3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3-(2'-triflu6romethyl-biphenyl-4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}-acetic acid; • ll (E/Z){4-[3-(4-Chloro-phenyi)-3-(3'-trifluoromethyl-biphenyl-4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl- phenoxy}-acetic acid; (E){4-[3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3-(3'-trifluoromethyl-biphenyl-4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl- phenoxy}-acetic acid; i; (Z){4-[3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3-(3'-triflupromethyl-bip|ienyl-4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl- phenoxy}-acetic acid; (E){4-[3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3-(4'-trifluoromethyl-biphenyl-4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl- phenoxy}-acetic acid; (Z){4-[3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3-(4'-trifluoromethyl-bipljienyl-4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl- phenoxy}-acetic acid; (E){4-[3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3-(3'-chloro-biphenyl-4Tyl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}-acetic acid; : (Z){4-[3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3-(3'-chloro-biphenyl-4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}-acetic acid; ; (E){4-[3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3-(4'-chloro-biphenyl-4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}-acetic acid; : (Z) {4-[3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3-(4l-chloro-biphenyl-4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}-acetic acid; ^{4-[3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3-(3'-methoxy-biphenylf4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}- acetic acid; j (Z){4-[3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3-(3'-methoxy-biphenyll)4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}- acetic acid; ' (E){4-[3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3-(4'-methoxy-biphenyli|4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}- acetic acid; | (Z){4-[3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3-(4'-methoxy-biphenyl44-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}- acetic acid; ', (E){4-[3-(4-Bromo-phenyl)-3-(2'-trifluorofnethyl-bip:|ienyl-4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl- phenoxy}-acetic acid; | (Z){4-[3-(4-Bromo-phenyl)-3-(2'-trifluoromethyl-biphenyI-4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl- phenoxy}-acetic acid; ! i, (E/Z){4-[3-(4-Bromo-phenyl)-3-(3'-trifluoromethyl-t|jphenyl-4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl- phenoxy}-acetic acid; ! (E){4-[3-(4-Bromo-phenyl)-3-(3'-trifluoromethyl-bip|ienyl-4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl- phenoxy}-acetic acid; ; (Z){4-[3-(4-Bromo-phenyl)-3-(31-trifluoromethyl-biphenyl-4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl- phenoxyj-acetic acid; (E){4-[3-(4-Bromo-phenyl)-3-(4'-trifluoromethyl-biphenyl-4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl- phenoxy}-acetic acid; (Z){4-[3-(4-Bromo-phenyl)-3-(4'-triflupromethyl-biphenyl-4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl- phenoxyj-acetic acid; ;• (E){4-[3-(4-Bromo-phenyl)-3-(3'-chloro-biphenyl-4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}-acetic acid; (Z){4-[3-(4-Bromo-phenyl)-3-(3'-chloro-biphenyl-4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}-acetic acid; '•',, (E){4-[3-(4-Bromo-phenyl)-3-(4'-chloro-biphenyl-4-;yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}-acetic acid; (Z) {4-[3-(4-Bromo-phenyl)-3-(41-chloro-biphenyl-4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}-acetic acid; (E){4-[3-(4-Bromo-phenyl)-3-(3'-methoxy-biphenylT4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}- acetic acid; (Z){4-[3-(4-Bromo-phenyl)-3-(3'-methoxy-biphenyl-4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}- 11 acetic acid; (Ft{4-[3-(4-Bromo-phenyl)-3-(4'-methoxy-biphenyW-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}-acetic acid; (Z){4-[3-(4-Bromo-phenyl)-3-(41-methoxy-biphenylf4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}- i acetic acid; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, or a phgirmaceutically acceptable solvate thereof, or any tautomeric forms, stereoisomers, mixture of stereoisomers including a racemic mix ture, or polymorphs. 11 The present invention also encompasses pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the present compounds. Such salts include pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts, pharmaceutically acceptable base addition salts, pharmaceutically acceptable metal salts, ammonium and alkylated ammonium salts. Acid addition salts include salts of inorganic acids as well as organic acids. Representative examples of suitable inorganic acids include hydrochloric, hydrobromic, hydroiodic, phosphoric, sulfurjic, nitric acids and the like. Representative examples of suitable organic acids include formic, ^cetic, trichloroacetic, trifluoroacetic, propionic, benzoic, cinnamic, citric, fdmaric, glycoli|, lactic, maleic, malic, malonic, mandelic, oxalic, picric, pyruvic, salicylic, succinic, methanes|lfonic, ethanesulfonic, tartaric, ascorbic, pamoic, bismethylene salicylic, ethanedisulfonic, gluconic, citraconic, aspartic, stearic, palmitic, EDTA, glycolic, p-aminobenzoic, glutamic, benzenesulfonic, p-toluenesulfonic acids, sulphates, nitrates, phosphates, perchlorates, borat.es, acetates, benzoates, hydroxynaph-thoates, glycerophosphates, ketoglutarates and the; like. Further examples of pharmaceutically acceptable inorganic or organic acid addition salts include the pharmaceutically acceptable salts listed in J. Pharm. Sci. 1977, 66, 2, which is incorporated herein by reference. Examples of metal salts include lithium, sodium, potassium, magnesium, zinc, calcium salts and the like. Examples of amines and organic amines include ammonium, methylamine, di-methylamine, trimethylamine, ethylamine, diethylarjjiine, propylamine, butylamine, tetrame- J! thylamine, ethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanqiamine, meglumine, ethylenediamine, choline, N,N'-dibenzylethylenediamine, N-benzylphenylethylamine, N-methyl-D-glucamine, guanidine and the like. Examples of cationic amino acids include lysine, arginine, histidine and the like. • The pharmaceutically acceptable salts are prepared by reacting the compound of formula I with 1 to 4 equivalents of a base such as jSodium hydroxide, sodium methoxide, sodium hydride, potassium t-butoxide, calcium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide and the like, in solvents like ether, THF, methanol, t-butanol, dioxane, isopropanol, ethanol etc. Mixture of solvents may be used. Organic bases like lysine, arginine, diethanolamine, choline, guandine and their derivatives etc. may also be used. Alternatively, acid addition salts wherever appli- V : i! dlhWe are prepared by treatment with acids such as! hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, nitric acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, p-toluenesulphonic acid, methanesulfonic acid, acetic acid, citric acid, maleic acid salicylic acid, hydroxynjaphthoic acid, ascorbic acid, palmitic acid, j| succinic acid, benzoic acid, benzenesulfonic acid, liartaric acid and the like in solvents like ethyl acetate, ether, alcohols, acetone, THF, dioxahe etc. Mixture of solvents may also be used. The stereoisomers of the compounds forrriing part of this invention may be prepared by using reactants in their single enantiomeric form] in the process wherever possible or by i conducting the reaction in the presence of reagents or catalysts in their single enantiomer form or by resolving the mixture of stereoisomers by conventional methods. Some of the preferred methods include use of microbial resolution, enzymatic resolution, resolving the diastereomeric salts formed with chiral acids such as mandelic acid, camphorsulfonic acid, tartaric acid, lactic acid, and the like wherever applicable or chiral bases such as brucine, • !' (R)- or (S)-phenylethylamine, cinchoria alkaloids aijid their derivatives and the like. Com- ii monly used methods are compiled by Jaques et al-ln "Enantiomers, Racemates and Resolution" (Wiley Interscience, 1981). More specifically |he compound of formula I may be converted to a 1:1 mixture of diastereomeric amides by treating with chiral amines, aminoacids, aminoalcohols derived from aminoacids; conventional reaction conditions may be employed to convert acid into an amide; the dia-stereomers may be separated either by fractional crystallization or chromatography and the stereoisomers of compound of formula I may be prepared by hydrolysing the pure diastereomeric amicte. Various polymorphs of compound of general formula I forming part of this invention may be prepared by crystallization of compound of formula I under different conditions. For example, using different solvents commonly used or their mixtures for recrystallization; crystallizations at different temperatures; various modes of cooling, ranging from very fast to very slow cooling during crystallizations. Polymorphs may also be obtained by heating or melting the compound followed by gradual or fast cooling, the presence of polymorphs may be determined by solid probe nmr spectroscopy, ir spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, powder X-ray diffraction or such other techniques, i; The invention also encompasses prodrugsi of the present compounds, which on administration undergo chemical conversion by metabolic processes before becoming active pharmacological substances. In general, such prodrugs will be functional derivatives of the present compounds, which are readily convertible in vivo into the required compound of the formula (I). Conventional procedures for the selection and preparation of suitable prodrug fvatives are described, for example, in "Design trf Prodrugs", ed. H. Bundgaard, Elsevier, 1985. i. The invention also encompasses active metabolites of the present compounds. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising, as an active ingredient, at least one compound of the formula I pr any optical or geometric isomer or tautomeric form thereof including mixtures of these or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt : |j thereof together with one or more pharmaceutically; acceptable carriers or diluents. Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of compounds of the general formula I or their tautomeric forms, their stereoisomers, their! polymorphs, their pharmaceutically ac ceptable salts or pharmaceutically acceptable solvates thereof for the preparation of a phar maceutical composition for the treatrnent and/or prevention of conditions mediated by nu clear receptors, in particular the Peroxisome Prolif^jrator-Activated Receptors (PPAR) such as the conditions mentioned above. |! h In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method of treating and/or preventing Type I or Type II diabetes. jj In a still further aspect, the present inventiojn relates to the use of one or more compounds of the general formula I or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment and/or prevention of Type I or Type II diabetes. In a still further aspect, the present compounds are useful for the treatment and/or prevention of IGT. In a still further aspect, the present compounds are useful for the treatment and/or prevention of Type 2 diabetes. In a still further aspect, the present compdunds are useful for the delaying or prevention of the progression from IGT to Type 2 diabetes. In a still further aspect, the present compounds are useful for the delaying or pre vention of the progression from non-insulin requiring Type 2 diabetes to insulin requiring Type 2 diabetes. j In another aspect, the present compounds reduce blood glucose and triglyceride levels and are accordingly useful for the treatment ^nd/or prevention of ailments and disor ders such as diabetes and/or obesity. < In still another aspect, the present compounds are useful for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of insulin resistance (Type 2 diabetes)^ impaired glucose tolerance, dyslipidemia, disorders related to Syndrome X such as hypertension, obesity, insulin resistance, hypergly- , atherosclerosis, hyperlipidemia, coronary artery disease, myocardial ischemia and other cardiovascular disorders. . In still another aspect, the present compounds are effective in decreasing apoptosis in mammalian cells such as beta cells of Islets of Langerhans. In still another aspect, the present compoijinds are useful for the treatment of certain renal diseases including glomerulonephritis, glomerulosclerosis, nephrotic syndrome, hyper tensive nephrosclerosis. i In still another aspect, the present compounds may also be useful for improving cognitive functions in dementia, treating diabetic complications, psoriasis, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and prevention and treatment ojj bone loss, e.g. osteoporosis. In yet another aspect, the invention also relates to the use of the present com- !: pounds, which after administration lower the bio-markers of atherosclerosis like, but not limited to, c-reactive protein (CRP), TNFbt and IL-6. j The present compounds may also be administered in combination with one or more further pharmacologically active substances eg., selected from antiobesity agents, antidiabet- ii ics, antihypertensive agents, agents for the treatment and/or prevention of complications re- i suiting from or associated with diabetes and agent$ for the treatment and/or prevention of complications and disorders resulting from or associated with obesity. Thus, in a further aspect of the invention the present compounds may be administered in combination with one or more antiobesity agents or appetite regulating agents. Such agents may be selected from the group consisting of CART (cocaine amphetamine regulated transcript) agonists, NPY (neuropeptide Y) antagonists, MC4 (melano-cortin 4) agonists, orexin antagonists, TNF (tumor necrosis factor) agonists, CRF (corticotro- ; pin releasing factor) agonists, CRF BP (corticotropin releasing factor binding protein) an tagonists, urocortin agonists, p3 agonists, MSH (melanocyte-stimulating hormone) agonists, MCH (melanocyte-concentrating hormone) antagonists, CCK (cholecystokinin) agonists, se rotonin re-uptake inhibitors, serotonin and noradrenaline re-uptake inhibitors, mixed sero tonin and noradrenergic compounds, 5HT (serotonip) agonists, bombesin agonists, galanin antagonists, growth hormone, growth hormone releasing compounds, TRH (thyreotropin re leasing hormone) agonists, UCP 2 or 3 (uncoupling protein 2 or 3) modulators, leptin ago nists, DA agonists (bromocriptin, doprexin), lipase/amylase inhibitors, RXR (retinoid X recep tor) modulators or TR p agonists. ; In one embodiment of the invention the antiobesity agent is leptin. In another embodiment the antiobesity agent is dexamphetamine or amphetamine. In another embodiment the antiobesity agent is fenfluramine or dexfenfluramine. In still another embodiment the antiobesity agent is sibutramine. i In a further embodiment the antiobesity agjbnt is orlistat. In another embodiment the dntiobesity ag&nt is mazindol or phentermine. Suitable antidiabetics comprise insulin, Gl|P-1 (glucagon like peptide-1) derivatives such as those disclosed in WO 98/08871 to Novo ijtordisk A/S, which is incorporated herein by reference as well as orally active riypoglycaemicj! agents. The orally active hypoglycaemic agents preferably comprise sulphonylureas, bigua- nides, meglitinides, glucosidase inhibitors, glucagon antagonists such as those disclosed in WO 99/01423 to Novo Nordisk A/S and Agouron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., GLP-1 agonists, po tassium channel openers such as those disclosed ih WO 97/26265 and WO 99/03861 to Novo Nordisk A/S which are incorporated herein by| reference, DPP-IV (dipeptidyl peptidase- IV) inhibitors, inhibitors of hepatic enzymes involve'd in stimulation of gluconeogenesis and/or glycogenolysis, glucose uptake modulators, compounds modifying the lipid metabolism such as antihyperlipidemic agents and antilipidemic agents as HMG CoA inhibitors (statins), com pounds lowering food intake, RXR agonists and agents acting on the ATP-dependent potas sium channel of the p-cells. ij In one embodiment of the invention the present compounds are administered in combination with insulin. In a further embodiment the present compounds are administered in combination with a sulphonylurea eg. tolbutamide, glibenclamide, glipizide orglicazide. In another embodiment the present compounds are administered in combination with a biguanide eg. metformin. , In yet another embodiment the present compounds are administered in combination with a meglitinide eg. repaglinide or senaglinide. ; In a further embodiment the present comppunds are administered in combination with an a-glucosidase inhibitor eg. miglitol or acarbose. In another embodiment the present compounds are administered in combination with an agent acting on the ATP-dependent potassium channel of the p-cells eg. tolbutamide, glibenclamide, glipizide, glicazide or repaglinide. Furthermore, the present compounds mayi be administered in combination with nateglinide. , In still another embodiment the present compounds are administered in combination with an antihyperlipidemic agent or antilipidemic agent eg. cholestyramine, colestipol, clofi-brate, gemfibrozil, fenofibrate, bezafibrate, tesaglitazar, EML-4156, LY-518674, LY-519818, V ii WK-767, atorvastatin, fluvastatin, lovgstatin, prava^tatin, simvastatin, cerivastin, acipimox, ezetimibe, probucol, dextrothyroxine or nicotinic acjid. In yet another embodiment the present cojjnpounds are administered in combination with a thiazolidinedione e.g. troglitazone, ciglitazorije, pioglitazone or rosiglitazone. In a further embodiment the present compounds are administered in combination with more than one of the above-mentioned compounds eg. in combination with a sulphony- J: lurea and metformin, a sulphonylurea and acarbose, repaglinide and metformin, insulin and a sulphonylurea, insulin and metformin, insulin, insulin and lovastatin, etc. Furthermore, the present compounds may be administered in combination with one or more antihypertensive agents. Examples of antihypertensive agents are (3-blockers such as alprenolol, atenolol, timolol, pindolol, propranolol and metoprolol, ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) inhibitors such as benazepril, captbpril, enalapril, fosinopril, lisinopril, i quinapril and ramipril, calcium channel blockers such as nifedipine, felodipine, nicardipine, isradipine, nimodipine, diltiazem and verapamil, and a-blockers such as doxazosin, urapidil, prazosin and terazosin. Further reference can be rtiade to Remington: The Science and i! Practice of Pharmacy, 19 Edition, Gennaro, Ed., Itjlack Publishing Co., Easton, PA, 1995. It should be understood that any suitable combination of the compounds according to the invention with one or more of the above-mentioned compounds and optionally one or more further pharmacologically active substances are considered to be within the scope of the present invention. The present invention also relates to a process for the preparation of the above said ;. novel compounds, their derivatives, their analogs, their tautomeric forms, their stereoisom- ers, their polymorphs, their pharmaceutically acceptable salts or pharmaceutically acceptable solvates. ; 11 PHARMACEUTICAL COMPOSITIONS i The compounds of the invention may be administered alone or in combination with pharmaceutically acceptable carriers or excipients, in either single or multiple doses. The pharmaceutical compositions according to the invention may be formulated with pharmaceutically acceptable carriers or diluents as well as any other known adjuvants and excipients in accordance with conventional techniques such as those disclosed in Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy, 19th Editioli, Gennaro, Ed., Mack Publishing Co., Easton, PA, 1995. The compositions may appear irf conventional forms, for example capsules, tablets, aerosols, solutions, suspensions or topical applications. Typical compositions include a compoundjbf formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt thereof, associated with a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient which may be a carrier or a diluent or be ijliluted by a carrier, or enclosed within a carrier which can be in the form of a capsule, sachet, paper or other container. In making the compositions, conventional techniques for the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions may be used. For example, the active compound v^ill usually be mixed with a carrier, or diluted by a carrier, or enclosed within a carrier whlph may be in the form of a ampoule, capsule, sachet, paper, or other container. When ttje carrier serves as a diluent, it may be solid, semi-solid, or liquid material which acts as a ^ehicle, excipient, or medium for the •r active compound. The active compound can be adsorbed on a granular solid container for example in a sachet. Some examples of suitable carriers are water, salt solutions, alcohols, polyethylene glycols, polyhydroxyethoxylated castor oil, peanut oil, olive oil, gelatine, lactose, terra alba, sucrose, cyclodextrin, amylose, magnesium stearate, talc, gelatin, agar, pectin, acacia, stearic acid or lower alkyl ethers of cellulose, silicic acid, fatty acids, fatty acid amines, ji fatty acid monoglycerides and diglycerides, pentae^ythritol fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene, hydroxymethylcellulose and polyvinylpyrrolidone. Similarly, the carrier or diluent may include any sustained release material known in the art, such as glyceryl monostearate or glyceryl distearate, alone or mixed with a wax. The formulations may also include wetting agents, emulsifying and suspending agents, preserving agents, sweetening agents or flavouring agents. The formulations of the invention may be formulated so as to provide quick, sustained, or delayed release of the active ingredient after administration to the patient by employing procedures well known in the art. The pharmaceutical compositions can be Sterilized and mixed, if desired, with auxiliary agents, emulsifiers, salt for influencing osmotic;: pressure, buffers and/or colouring substances and the like, which do not deleteriously reapt with the active compounds. The route of administration may be any route, which effectively transports the active compound to the appropriate or desired site of actibn, such as oral, nasal, pulmonary, trans-dermal or parenteral e.g. rectal, depot, subcutaneous, intravenous, intraurethral, intramuscular, intranasal, ophthalmic solution or an ointment, the oral route being preferred. If a solid carrier is used for oral administration, the preparation may be tabletted, placed in a hard gelatin capsule in powder or pellet form or it can be in the form of a troche or lozenge. If a liquid carrier is used, the preparation may be in the form of a syrup, emulsion, soft gelatin capsule or sterile injectable liquid such as an aqueous or non-aqueous liquid suspension or solution. ? For nasal administration, the preparation nidy contain a compound of formula I dissolved or suspended in a liquid carrier, in particular an aqueous carrier, for aerosol application. The carrier may contain additives such a;s solubilizing agents, e.g. propylene glycol, surfactants, absorption enhancers such as lecithin (phosphatidylcholine) or cyclodextrin, or ''! preservatives such as parabenes. • For parenteral application, particularly suitable are injectable solutions or suspen sions, preferably aqueous solutions with the active Icompound dissolved in polyhydroxylated castor oil. | Tablets, dragees, or capsules having talc and/or a carbohydrate carrier or binder or I the like are particularly suitable for oral application. Preferable carriers for tablets, dragees, or capsules include lactose, corn starch, and/or potato starch. A syrup or elixir can be used in cases where a sweetened vehicle can be employed. A typical tablet which may be prepared by conventional tabletting techniques may contain: |i Core: | Active compound (as free compound or sajt thereof) 5 mg Colloidal silicon dioxide (Aerosil) 1.5mg Cellulose, microcryst. (Avicel) 70 mg Modified cellulose gum (Ac-Di-Sol) 7.5 mg Magnesium stearate Ad. Coating: ;; HPMCapprox. •: 9 mg *Mywacett 9-40 T approx. ; 0.9 mg *Acylated monoglyceride used as plasticizeY for film coating. : 'l If desired, the pharmaceutical composition; of the invention may comprise the compound of formula (I) in combination with further: pharmacologically active substances such as those described in the foregoing. The compounds of the invention may be administered to a mammal, especially a human in need of such treatment, prevention, elimination, alleviation or amelioration of diseases related to the regulation of blood sugar. Such mammals include also animals, both domestic animals, e.g. household pets, and non-domestic animals such as wildlife. The compounds of the invention are effective over a wide dosage range. A typical oral dosage is in the range of from about 0.001 to ^bout 100 mg/kg body weight per day, preferably from about 0.01 to about 50 mg/kg bodyjlweight per day, and more preferred from ' ] I about 0.05 to about 10 mg/kg body weight per dayj&dministered in one or more dosages such as 1 to 3 dosages. The exact dosage will depend upon the frequency and mode of ad- t ministration, the sex, age, weight and general condition of the subject treated, the nature and severity of the condition treated and any concomitant diseases to be treated and other fac tors evident to those skilled in the art. j The formulations may conveniently be presented in unit dosage form by methods known to those skilled in the art. A typical unit dosage form for oral administration one or more times per day such as 1 to 3 times per day mjky contain of from 0.05 to about 1000 mg, preferably from about 0.1 to about 500 mg, and moVe preferred from about 0.5 mg to about 200 mg. j Any novel feature or combination of features described herein is considered i> essential to this invention. j! EXAMPLES The following examples and general procedures refer to intermediate compounds and final products identified in the specification and in the synthesis schemes. The preparation of the compounds of the present invention is described in detail using the following examples. Occasionally, the reaction may not be applicable as described to each compound included within the disclosed scope of the invention. The compounds for which this occurs i will be readily recognised by those skilled in the art. In these cases the reactions can be successfully performed by conventional modifications known to those skilled in the art, that is, by : K appropriate protection of interfering groups, by changing to other conventional reagents, or by routine modification of reaction conditions. Alternatively, other reactions disclosed herein or otherwise conventional will be applicable to the preparation of the corresponding com- '.i pounds of the invention. In all preparative methods, all starting materials are known or may easily be prepared from known starting materials. The structures of the compounds are con firmed nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). NMR shifts (8) are given in parts per million (ppm. Mp is melting point and is given in °C. :, The abbreviations as used in the examples have the following meaning: THF: tetrahydrofuran DMSO: dimethylsulfoxide CDCI3: deutorated chloroform DMF: N,N-dimethylformamide min: minutes h: hours General procedure (A) Step A: Reacting a compound of formula (II) wherein X2 and X3 are defined as above and wherein HIg is bromine or iodine, through a Wit- tig-like process with for example (EtQ)2PO(CHRi)COOR6, wherein R6 is an alkyl group and RI is defined as above, in the presence of a base such as sodium hydride, EtONa and the like to give a compound of formula (III) (Figure Remove) wherein X2, X3, RI and R6 are defined as above and wherein HIg is bromine or iodine, and Step B: Reducing the compound of formula (III) wherein X2, X3, RI and R6 are defined as above and wherein HIg is bromine or iodine with a suitable reagent such as diisobutylalumin-ium hydride, to give a compound of formula (IV) (Figure Remove)wherein X2, X3 and RI are defined as above and wherein Hlg is bromine or iodine, and Step C: !! 't! Reacting the compound of formula (IV), wfjierein X2, X3 and RI are defined as above and wherein Hlg is bromine or iodine, (except that iyhen X2 or X3 are substituted with hy-droxy, this functionality has to be protected) with a'compound of formula (V) (Figure Remove)wherein YI, Ar, Y2, Z and R2 are defined as above, jpxcept that R2 is not hydrogen under Mit-sunobu conditions, using a reagent such as triphenylphosphine/diethylazodicarboxylate and i: the like to obtain a compound of formula (VI) (VI) wherein X2, X3, Y1t Y2, Ar, Z, R, and R2 are defined as above, except that R2 is not hydrogen and wherein Hlg is bromine or iodine, and ; Step D: «; !: Reacting a compound of formula (VI) wherein X2, X3, YI, Y2, Ar, Z, R-i and R2are defined as above, and wherein Hlg is bromine or iodine, with an boronic acid or with a tribu-tyltin derivative of XT under appropriate coupling cbnditions as Pd2(dba)s/Pd(P(t-Bu)3)2/KF/THF, to give a compound of formula (I), Wherein XL X2, X3, YL Y2, Ar, Z, R, and R2 are defined as above, except that R2 is not hydrogen. ' '' General procedure (B) i1 Step A: J By chemical or enzymatic saponification of a compound of formula (I) wherein XL X2, X3, YI, Y2, Ar, Z, RT and R2are defined as abovfe, except that R2 is not hydrogen to give a Step A: By chemical or enzymatic saponification of a compound of formula (VI) wherein X2, X3, YL Y2, Ar, Z, RT and R2 are defined as above, except that R2 is not hydrogen and wherein Hlg is bromine or iodine to give a compound of forrhula (VI) whereinXL X2, X3, YL Y2, Ar, Z, RI and R2are defined as above, except that R2 is Hydrogen and wherein Hlg is bromine or iodine, and ' . ] i Step B: i Reacting an compound of formula (VI) wherein X2, X3, YL Y2, Ar, Z, RI and R2are defined as above, except that R2 is hydrogen and wherein Hlg is bromine or iodine, with an boronic acid derivative of X-i under appropriate coupling conditions as Pd2(dba)a/Pd(P(t-Bu)3)2/KF/THF, to give a compound of formula (I), ji/herein XL X2, X3, YL Y2, Ar, Z, R! and R2 are defined as above, except that R2 Is hydrogen, j General procedure (D) Step A: Reacting a compound of formula (VII) (VII) wherein XL X2 and X3 are defined as above, through a Wittig-like process with for example (EtO)2PO(CHR1)COOR6> wherein R6 is an alkyl grdup and RI is defined as above, in the presence of a base such as sodium hydride, EtONa and the like to give a compound of for mula (VIII) (Figure Remove) wherein X^, X2, X3, RI and R6 are defined as abovej and Step B: Reducing the compound of formula (VIII) Wherein XL X2, X3, RT and R6 are defined as above, with a suitable reagent such as diisobutylaluminium hydride, to give a compound of formula (IX) \. (Figure Remove) wherein XL X2, X3 and RT are defined as, and Step C: Reacting the compound of formula (IX), wherein XL X2, X3 and RT are defined as above, (except that when XL X2 or X3 are substituted with hydroxy, this functionality has to be protected) with a compound of formula (V) wherein YL Ar, Y2, Z and R2 are defined as above, except that R2 is not hydrogen under Mitsuhobu conditions, using a reagent such as i i triphenylphosphine/diethylazodicarboxylate and th^ like to obtain a compound of formula (I), wherein X1t X2, X3, YI, Y2, Ar, Z, R! and R2are defihed as above, except that R2 is not hydrogen. General procedure (E) Step A: ji Converting the -OH functionality in the compound of formula (IX), wherein XL X2, X3 and RI are defined as above, to an appropriate leaving group (L) such as p-toluenesulfonate, methanesulfonate, halogen (for example by methods according to: Houben-Weyl, Methoden der organischen Chemie, Alkohole III, 6/1b, Thieme-Verlag 1984, 4th Ed., pp. 927-939; Comprehensive Organic Transformations. A guide to functional group preparations, VCH 1989, 1st Ed., pp. 353-363 and J. Org. give a compound of formula (I) wherein XL X2, X3, YL Y2, Ar, Z, RT and R2are defined as above, except that R2 is not hydrogen. General procedure (F) Step A: Reacting a compound of formula (XI) (XI) wherein X, and X2 are as defined above, with carbon tetrabromide and triphenylphosphine to give a compound of formula (XII) wherein Xi and X2 are as defined above. Step B: !| Reacting the compound of formula (XII), Wherein Xi and X2 are as defined above, with paraformaldehyde in the presence of a strong base like BuLi, to give a compound of formula (XIII) (Figure Remove) vtoerein Xi and X2 are as defined above. j Step C: ji Reducing the compound of formula (Xlll),jyvherein XT and X2 are as defined above, with LiAIH in the presence of a base, like sodium n)ethoxide, followed by treatment with di-methylcarbonate and iodine to give a compound of! formula (XIV) (Figure Remove) Step D: J! Converting the hydroxyl function in the compound of formula (XIV) to a leaving group (L), as described under the General procedure B, to give a compound of formula (XV) (Figure Remove) wherein XL X2 and L are as defined above. Step E: :; Reacting the compound of formula (XV), vyherein L is a leaving group, such as p-toluenesulfonate, methanesulfonate, halogen, triflafe and the like, and wherein XT and X2 are as defined above, with the compound of formula (V), wherein Y^ Ar, Y2, Z and R2 are as defined above, except that R2 is not hydrogen, to give; a compound of formula (XVI) (Figure Remove) wherein XL X2, YL Y2, Ar, Z and R2are as defined above, except that R2 is not hydrogen. Step F: i Reacting the compound of formula (XVI), wherein XL X2,Y1, Y2, Ar, Z and R2are defined as above, except that R2 is not hydrogen, witfi X2-tributyltin in the presence of a palladium catalyst, like Pd2(dba)3, and tri(t.-butyl)phosphjne to give the compound of formula (I), wtfe~reinXi, X2, X3, Y1f Y2, Ar, Z, RI and R2are defiirted as above, except that R, is hydrogen and R2 is not hydrogen. General procedure (G) Step A: (Figure Remove) wherein X, X2and X3, are defined as above. Using a combination of the above method?, or methods analogous hereof, various compounds may be made within the scope of the present invention. The present invention is further exemplified by the following examples, which illustrate the preparation of the compounds according to the invention. The examples are, however, not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way. Example 1 (E/Z){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(4-bromo-phenyl)-allylsulfanyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid (Figure Remove) General procedure A: ! Step A: li To a solution of NaH (3.53 g, 88.2 mmol) ijn dry toluene (300 ml) was added drop-wise at 0 °C a solution of trietylphosphonoacetate (jfl3.2 g, 58.8 mmol) in toluene (100 ml). The reaction mixture was stirred for 30 min. after Which a solution of 4,4-dibromobenzo- ij phenone (10.0 g, 29.4 mmol) in THF (100 ml) was Ridded. The reaction mixture was stirred for 48 h. Ethanol (10 ml) and water (300 ml) were ^dded and the mixture was extracted with !' ethyl acetate-methanol (2%, 2x150 ml). The combined organic phases were washed with brine, dried with MgSO4, filtered and evaporated. The residue was purified by column chro-matography (eluent: ether) to give ethyl 3,3-bis-(4-bromophenyl)-acrylate as a gum. Crystallization from hexanes gave white crystals in 8.77 g (73%) yield. 1H NMR (CDCI3, 300 MHz); 8 1.20 (3H, t), 4.05 (2H, q), 6.35 (1H, s), 7.0-7.1 (4H, m), 7.40-7.52 (4H, m). Step B: ;; Ethyl 3,3-bis-(4-bromophenyl)-acrylate (8.75 g, 21.3 mmol) was dissolved in dry THF (35 ml). DIBAL-H (1.5 M in toluene, 43 ml, 64;0 mmol) was added at -15 °C and the reaction mixture was stirred for 30 min. A solution of ammonium chloride in water was added and the mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate (3*50 ml). The combined organic phases were washed with brine, dried with MgSO4, filtered and evaporated to give 3,3-bis-(4-bromophenyl)-pro-2-en-1-ol in 6.0 g (76%) yield. '- 1H NMR (CDCI3, 300 MHz); 8 1.15 (1H, br s), 4.16-J4.20 (2H, dd), 6.25 (1H, t), 7.0-7.1 (4H, m), 7.40-7.52 (4H, m). r Step C: 3,3-Bis-(4-bromophenyl)-pro-2-en-1-ol (2.98 g, 8.1 mmol) and tributylphosphine (2.4 ; i g, 12.1 mmol) were dissolved in dry THF (150 ml) a|nd cooled to 0 °C under an atmosphere of nitrogen. 1,1'-(Azodicarbonyl)dipiperidine(ADDF*) (3.1 g, 12.1 mmol) was added and the__ reaction mixture was stirred for 5 min. (4-Mercaptc>t2-methyl-phenoxy)-acetic acid methyl ester (2.06 g, 9.7 mmol) was slowly added (5 min) anid the stirring continued for 2 h at 0 °C. Water (100 ml) was added and the mixture was extracted with dichloromethane (2^150 ml). The combined organic phases were dried with MgSiCXi, filtered and evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography (eluent: diphloromethane) to give 4.0 g (88%) of {4-[3,3-bis-(4-bromo-phenyl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-prJenoxy}-acetic acid methyl ester. 1H NMR (CDCI3, 300 MHz); 8 2.20 (3H, s), 3.44 (2JJI, d), 3.78 (3H, s), 4.64 (2H, s), 6.11 (1 H, t), 6.55 (1H, d), 6.73 (2H, d), 6.98 (2H, d), 7.10 (21-1, bs), 7.38 (2H, d), 7.43 (2H, d). General procedure C: ii ] Step A: ji A solution of {4-[3,3-bis-(4-bromo-phenyl)-|allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}-acetic acid methyl ester (530 mg, 0.94 mmol) in ethanol (20 ml) and 1M NaOH (2.0 ml, 2.0 mmol) was stirred at room temp, for 2 h. The reaction mixture added water (20 ml) and 1N HCI (3.0 ml). The water phase was extracted dichloromethajjie (2*50 ml) and the combined organic phases dried with MgSO4, filtered and evaporated to give 482 mg (93%) of {4-[3,3-bis-(4-bromophenyl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}-ace|i;icacid. 1H NMR (CDCI3, 300 MHz); 82.20 (3H, s), 3.45 (2H, d), 4.68 (2H, s), 6.10 (1H, t), 6.58 (1H, d), 6.75 (2H, d), 6.98 (2H, d), 7.10-7.13 (2H, m), 7.38 (2H, d), 7.43 (2H, d). Step B: A mixture of {4-[3,3-bis-(4-bromophenyl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}-acetic acid (97 mg, 0.177 mmol), phenylboronic acid (47 mg, 389 mmol), KF (34 mg, 0.584 mmol), Pd2(dba)3 (10 mg, 0.011 mmol) and Pd(P(t-Bu)3)2 (j| 1 mg, 0.021 mmol) was evacuated for air and kept under nitrogen. THF (2 ml) was added and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 4 hours. A saturated aqueous NH4CI (5 ml) solution was added, and the mixture was extracted with methylene chloride (2 x 20 ml). The combined organic phases were dried and purified on column chromatography usind methylene chloride: THF (8:3) as eluent. The isolated products were further purified on HPLC using acetonitrihwater (4:6) increasing to pure acetonitril as eluent. The title product was isolated as an E/Z mixture in 4 mg yield. 1H NMR (CDCI3, 400 MHz); 8 7.60-6.75 (m, 15H); 6.47 (d, J= 7 Hz, 1H); 6.16 (t, J= 7Hz, 0.7H); 6.07 (t, J= 7 Hz, 0.3H); 4.37 (s, 2H); 3.53 (d, J= 7 Hz, 0.6H); 3.45 (d, J= 7 Hz, 1.4H); 2.07 (s, 3H). Example 2 )i (E/Z){4-[3-(4-Bromo-phenyl)-3-(3'-trifluoromethyl-t||phenyl-4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl- phenoxy}-acetic acid. (Figure Remove) General procedure C: Step B: A mixture of {4-[3,3-bis-(4-bromo-phenyl)-^llylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}-acetic acid (described above) (231 mg, 0.421 mmol), 3-(t(ifluoromethyl)phenylboronic acid (203 mg, 1.07 mmol), KF (81 mg, 1.39 mmol), Pd2(dba)3 (23 mg, 0.025 mmol) and Pd(P(t-Bu)3)2 (26 mg, 0.051 mmol) was evacuated for air and kept under nitrogen. THF (5 ml) was added and the reaction mixture was stirred at 50°C overnight. A saturated aqueous NH4CI (5 ml) solution was added, and the mixture was extracted with methylene chloride (2 x 20 ml). The com- '•bined organic phases were dried an evaporated. The isolated products were further purified on HPLC using acetonitrihwater (4:6) increasing to'pure acetonitril as eluent. The title product was isolated as an E/Z mixture in 95 mg (37%) yield. 1H NMR (CDCI3, 400 MHz); § 7.87-7.00 (m, 13H), 6.84 (d, J= 8 Hz, 1H), 6.60 (d, J= 8 Hz, 1H), 6.21 (t, J= 6 Hz, 0.3H), 6.14 (t, J= 6 Hz, 0.6H), 4.66 (s, 2H), 3.55 (d, J= 7 Hz, 1.4H), 3.51 (d, J= 7 Hz, 0.6H), 2.21 (s, 1H), 2.19 (s, 2H). !; Examples {4-[3-(4-Bromo-phenyl)-3-[1,1';4',1"]terphenyl-4"-y|rbllylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}-acetic acid (Figure Remove) General procedure C: Step B: I A mixture of {4-[3,3-bis-(4-bromo-phenyl)-pylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}-acetic : 'I j acid (example 1) (225 mg, 0.410 mmol), 4-biphenyJboronic acid (163 mg, 0.82 mmol), KF (79 mg, 1.35 mmol), Pd2(dba)3 (23 mg, 0,025 mmol) and Pd(P(t-Bu)3)2 (25 mg, 0.049 mmol) was evacuated for air and kept under nitrogen. THF (6 ijril) was added and the reaction mixture was stirred at 70°C overnight. A saturated aqueous NH4CI (5 ml) solution was added, and the :!J mixture was extracted with methylene chloride (2 xj|20 ml). The combined organic phases were dried an evaporated: The isolated products were further purified on column chromatog-raphy using methylene chloride:THF (40:1) as eluent. The isolated products were further purified on HPLC using acetonitrihwater (7:3) increasing to pure acetonotril as eluent. The title product was isolated as an E/Z mixture in 40 mg (16%) yield. 1H NMR (CDCI3, 400 MHz); 8 7.70-6.97 (m, xxH), 6.83 (d, 1H), 6.57 (d, 1H), 6.20 (t, 1/3 H), 6.12 (t, 2/3 H), 4.64 (s, 2/3 H), 4.63 (s, 4/3 H), 3.57i(d, 4/3), 3.47 (d, 2/3 H), 2.18 (s, 2/3 H), 2.17 (s, 4/3 H). / Example 4 (General procedure (A)) , (E/ZH2-Methyl-4-[3-[5-(5-methylthiophen-2-yl)benzo[b]furan-2-yl]-3-(thiophen-2-yl)ally- lsulfanyl]phenoxy]acetic acid ! (Figure Remove) Potassium carbonate (12.0 g, 0.087 mol) gnd subsequently 2-bromo-1-(thiophen-2- yl)ethanone (7.0 g, 0.034 mol; prepared as described in J.Med.Chem. 30, 1497 (1987)) were added to a stirred solution of 5-bromosalicylaldehycie (6.9 g, 0.034 mol) in acetone (150 ml). The mixture was stirred at ambient temperature fof|30 min at first and then refluxed for 1 h. Solid mass was filtered off, washed with hot acetorfe (2x50 mL) and the filtrate was evapo rated in vacua. The residue (11.3 g) was crystallized from ethanol (15 mL) giving (5- bromobenzo[b]furan-2-yl)-(thiophen-2-yl)methanonk Yield: 8.0 g (77%). M.p. 84-86 °C. RF (Si02, hexane/ethyl acetate 3:1) 0.70. ; ^ Step A: !! In atmosphere of nitrogen, 2M solution of lithium diisopropylamide in tetrahydrofu- ij ran/ heptane/ethylbenzene (33 mL, 66.0 mmol) wa!S added dropwise to an ice-water cooled solution of triethyl phosphonoacetate (12 mL, 60.0Jrnmol) in tetrahydrofuran (180 mL). The mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 30 min, a solution of the above methanone (9.2 g, 30.0 mmol) in tetrahydrofuran (92 mL) was ftdded dropwise and the whole mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 39 h. The mixture was diluted with dichloromethane (150 mL), washed with water (150 mL) and the aqueous layer was extracted with dichloro methane (100 mL). The combined organic layers were washed with water (200 mL), brine (200 mL), dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate and evaporated in vacua. Purification by column chromatography (silica gel Fluka 60, hexane/ethyl acetate 9:1) of the obtained resi due gave (E/Z)-3-(5-bromobenzo[b]furan-2-yl)-3-(thiophen-2-yl)acrylic acid ethyl ester as an yellow oil. \Yield: 8.0 g (71%). RF (SiO2, hexane/ethyl acetate J3:1) 0.30. Step B: : !! In atmosphere of nitrogen, a solution of anhydrous aluminum chloride (1.03 g, 7.71 mmol) in dry ether (39 mL) was added dropwise to a suspension of lithium aluminum hydride (0.88 g, 23.1 mmol) in dry ether (74 mL) at -15 "CJthe mixture was stirred for 30 min allowing the reaction temperature to reach 0 °C. The suspension was cooled at -15 °C again, a solution of the above ester (2.90 g, 7.71 mmol) in qry ether (39 mL) was added dropwise and the resulting mixture was stirred for 1 h under cooling. Water (0.6 mL), 10% aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide (0.6 mL) and water (1.8 mL) were added dropwise to the cold mixture; the segregated precipitate was filtered off and washed with ether (70 mL). The combined ethereal layers were washed with water (2x50 mL)*1 brine (2x50 mL), dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate and evaporated in vacua. The ctbtained crude product was purified by n chromatography (silica gel Fluka 60, hexarje/ethyl acetate 4:1) yielding (E/Z)-3-(5-bromobenzo[b]furan-2-yl)-3-(thiophen-2-yl)prop-2-$n-1-ol as a white crystalline solid. Yield: 1.61 g (62%). RF (SiO2, hexane/ethyl acetatej4:1) 0.30. 1H NMR spectrum of the main isomer(250 MHz, CJ^Cb): 7.71 (dd, J=1.8 and 0.7 Hz, 1 H); 7.43 (dd, J=8.8 and 1.9 Hz, 1 H); 7.37 (dm, J=8.8 fc, 1 H); 7.29 (dd, J=5.1 and 1.2 Hz, 1 H); 7.10 (m, 1 H); 7.03 (m, 1 H); 6.76 (s, 1 H); 6.35 (t, J=6.6 Hz, 1 H); 4.60 (d, J=6.6 Hz, 2 H). Procedure analogues to "General procedure E. Ste|p A-B") In atmosphere of nitrogen, tetrabromomethane (1.48 g, 4.46 mmol) was added to an ice-cooled solution of the above hydrbxy derivative];(1.00 g, 2.98 mmol) and triphenyl-phosphine (1.25 g, 4.77 mmol) in dry methylene cH oride (40 ml_). The reaction mixture was j stirred for 2 h at ambient temperature, quickly filtered through a short path of silica gel and 1' the filtrate was evaporated in vacuo. In atmospher^j of nitrogen, tetrahydrofuran (38 ml_), N,N-diisopropylethylamine (0.94 mL, 5.40 mmol) ajid a solution of ethyl (4-mercapto-2-methylphenoxy)acetate (1.27 g, 5.61 mmol) in tetrj^hydrofuran (2 mL) were added to the residue. The reaction mixture was stirred overnighl, filtered, the precipitated solid was washed with tetrahydrofuran (10 mL) and the collected organic solutions were evaporated in vacuo. The residue was purified by column chromatography (silica gel Merck 60, hexane/ethyl acetate 15:1) yielding (E/Z)-[4-[3-(5-brornobenzo[b]furan-2-yl)-3-(thiophen-2-yl)allylsulfanyl]-2-methylphenoxy]acetic acid ethyl ester. Yield: 1.4 g (87%). RF (SiO2, hexane/ethyl acetate|4:1) 0.50. 1H NMR spectrum (250 MHz, CDCI3): 7.60-6.27 (mi; ~9 H); 6.73 and 6.22 (t, J=8.3 Hz, 1 H); 6.59 and 6.46 (d, J=8.3 Hz, 1 H); 4.60 and 4.53 (s|2 H); 4.24 and 4.12 (q, J=7.2 Hz, 2 H); 3.86 and 3.62 (d, J=8.3 Hz, 2 H); 2.21 and 2.08 (s,|3 H); 1.28 and 1.27 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 3 H). General procedure A: Step D: :! To a solution of (E/Z)-[4-[3-(5-bromobenzo[b]furan-2-yl)-3-(thiophen-2-yl)allylsulfanyl]-2-methylphenoxy]acetic acid ethyl Qster (330 mg, 0.607 mmol) and tributyl-(5-methylthiophen-2-yl)tin (250 mg, 0.644 mmol, prepared in 69% yield according to J. Med. Chem. 44, 3355 (2001)) in dry N,N-dimethylformarriide (15 mL) tris(dibenzylideneacetone) -dipalladium chloroform complex (19.5 mg, 0.019 mmol) was added. Traces of moisture and oxygen were removed and 0.20M solution of tri(terf.butyl)phosphine in cyclohexane (0.4 mL, 0.080 mmol) was added under atmosphere of nitrogen and the whole mixture was stirred at 50 °C for 3 h. The mixture was diluted with ethyl aQfetate (50 mL), washed with water (40 mL), brine (40 mL), 10% aqueous solution of potassium fluoride (40 mL) and brine (50 mL). acetate 16:1) yielding (E/Z)-[2-methyl-4-[3-[5-(5-methylthiophen-|-yl)benzo[b]furan-2-yl]-3-(thiophen-2-yl)allylsulfanyl]phenoxy]acetic acid ethyl ester as aji yellow oil. Yield: 256 mg (75%). RF (SiO2, hexane/ethyl acetate 16:1) 0.30. 1H NMR spectrum (250 MHz, CDCI3): 7.68-6.30 (rrtj ~11 H); 6.21 (t, J=8.3 Hz, 1 H); 6.59 and 6.47 (d, J=8.3 Hz, 1 H); 4.60 and 4.52 (s, 2 H); 4.2$ and 4.12 (q, J=7.2 Hz, 2 H); 3.91 and 3.63 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 2 H); 2.51 and 2.49 (s, 3 H); 2.22 and 2.09 (s, 3 H); 1.26 and 1.25 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 3 H). li I' General procedure B: i • !i Step A: j! To an ice-water cooled solution of the abdve ester (144 mg, 0.257 mmol) in a mixture tetrahydrofuran/methanol/water (5:1:1, 7 ml) lithium hydroxide monohydrate (16 mg, 0.381 mmol) was added. The resulting solution wa^ stirred for 70 min under cooling and subsequently a diluted solution of tartaric acid (5 mi) was added followed by addition of i ether (20 ml_). The layers were separated, the aqueous layer was extracted with ether (10 mL) and the combined ethereal layers were washed with water (3x10 ml) and brine (2x10 ml) and dried with anhydrous sodium sulfate. The oil obtained by evaporation of the organic solution was purified by column chromatography (silica gel Fluka 60, chloroform/methanol 99:1-98:2) yielding the title compound. Yield: 25 mg (18%). M.p. — (foam). RF (SiO2, methylenechloride/methanol85:15) 0.25. ' L-Lysine (6 mg, 0.041 mmol) was added to a solution of the above acid (25 mg, 0.047 mmol) in dry methanol (3 mL). The mixture wfas stirred for 2 h, evaporated in vacua and the residue twice triturated with anhydrous eth&r yielding the L-lysinate of the title acid. Yield: 20 mg (63%). M.p. 142-161 °0 (amorphousji 1H NMR spectrum (250 MHz, DMSO-d6): 7.81-6.21: (m, -13 H); 4.38 and 4.34 (s, 2 H); 3.88 and 3.68 (d, ~2 H); 3.16 (m, -1 H); 2.75 (m, 2 H); 2Ji47 and 2.45 (d, ~3 H); 2.10 and 1.96 (s, 3 H); 1.70-1.25 (m, ~6 H). ;j Example 5 (General procedure (F)) ; (E/Z)-[4-[3-(Biphenyl-4-yl)-3-(furan-2-yl)allylsulfanyi]-2-methylphenoxy]aceticacid (Figure Remove) Tetrabromomethane (21.8 g, 166 mmol) was added to a cooled solution of biphenyl-4-carbaldehyde (10.0 g, 54.9 mmol) and triphenylpjiiosphine (35.5 g, 131.8 mmol) in dry me-thylene chloride (100 ml_). Reaction mixture was stirred for 3 h at ambient temperature and saturated solution of sodium hydrogen carbonate (50 mL) was added. The organic layer was ji washed with water (50 mL), dried with anhydrous magnesium sulfate and subsequently evaporated in vacua. The crude product was twicejj'e-crystallized from methanol giving 1,1- •i I dibromo-2-(4-biphenylyl)ethene as a white solid. Yield: 14.9 g (80%). RF (SiO2, hexane) 0.80. Step B: The above bromo derivative (3.0 g, 8.9 mrnol) was dissolved in dry tetrahydrofuran (100 mL) and under inert atmosphere cooled to -78°C. 2M Solution of n-butyllithium (12 mL, 22 mmol) was added dropwise to the solution and the reaction mixture was stirred for 2 h under cooling. Finely powdered paraformaldehyde i(0.7 g, 22 mmol) was added to the mixture and it was stirred for 3h at -60°C slowly increasing the reaction temperature to ambient temperature. Brine (50 mL) was added and reaction mixture was extracted with ether (4x50 mL). The collected organic layers were dried with anhydrous magnesium sulfate and subsequently evaporated in vacuo. The residue was purified by column chromatography (silica gel Merck 60, hexane /ethyl acetate 1:0 - 3:1) yielding:3-(4-biphenylyl)-prop-2-yn-1-ol. Yield: 4.1 g (74%). RF (Si02, hexane/ethyl acetate |:1) 0.45. 1H NMR spectrum (250 MHz, CDCI3): 7.63-7.30 (rrj) 9 H); 4.52 (s, 2 H). Step C: ; A solution of the above alkyrie (1.0 g, 4.8 mmol) in dry tetrahydrofuran (20 mL) was added dropwise to an ice-cooled solution of lithium;aluminum hydride (380 mg, 10 mmol) and i sodium methoxide (10 mg, 250 ^mol, 5%) in dry tejtrahydrofuran (10 mL) under inert atmosphere. The reaction mixture was stirred for 3 h, a solution of dimethyl carbonate (900 mg, 10 mmol) in dry tetrahydrofuran (10 mL) was added dtopwise at 0°C and the reaction mixture vras"8 "stirred for further 2 h. A solution of iodine (2.5 jg, 10 mmol) in tetrahydrofuran (10 mL) was added and the resulting mixture was allowed to stand overnight in fridge. Methanol (5 mL) was added and reaction mixture was stirred fojr 0.5 h. Saturated aqueous solution of sodium thiosulfate (25 mL) and brine (100 mL) were lidded and the heterogenous mixture was extracted with ether (4x100 mL). The collected organic solutions were dried with anhydrous •i magnesium sulfate and subsequently evaporated i'fi vacuo. The residue was purified by column chromatography (silica gel Merck 60, hexane/methylene chloride 9:1 - methylene chlo-ride/methanol 3:1) yielding (Z)-3-(4-biphenylyl)-3-iddoprop-2-en-1 -ol. Yield: 1.3g (80%). RF (SiO2, hexane/ethyl acetate jj:1) 0.50. Step D-E: j| A solution of tetrabromethane (1.0 g, 3.0 njimol) in dry methylene chloride (20 mL) was added dropwise to an ice-cooled solution of the above hydroxy derivative (0.6 g, 2.0 mmol) and triphenylphosphine (0.8 g,i3.0 mmol) injdry methylene chloride (50 mL). The reaction mixture was stirred for 2 h at ambient temperature, N,N-diisopropylethylamine (250 mg, 2 mmol) and a drop of water were added, the solution was stirred for further 0.5 h and evapo- i rated in vacuo. In atmosphere of nitrogen, tetrahydjrofuran (25 mL), N,N-diisopropylethyl- amine (390 nl, 3.0 mmol) and ethyl (4-mercapto-2--methylphenoxy)acetate (560 mg, 2.5 mmol) were added to the residue. The reaction mixture was stirred overnight, filtered through a short path of silica gel and the filtrate was evaporated in vacuo. The residue was purified by column chromatography (silica gel Merck 60, hexane/ethylacetate 1:0 - 9:1) yielding ethyl (Z)-[4-[3-(4-biphenylyl)-3-iodoprop-2-enylsulfanyl]-2-methylphenoxy]acetate. Yield: 0.5 g (50%). RF(Si02, hexane/ethyl acetate|4:1) 0.50. Step F: ; To a solution of ethyl (Z)-[4-[3-(biphenyl-4'yl)-3-iodoallylsulfanyl]-2-methylphenoxy]-acetate (424 mg, 0.779 mmol) and tributyl-(furan-2*yl)tin (283 mg, 0.792 mmol, prepared in 78% yield according to Morimoto et al.: J.Med.Chem. 44, 3355 (2001)) in dry N,N-dimethyl-formamide (8 mL) Pd2(dba)3.CHCI3 (23.8 mg, 0.023 mmol) was added. Traces of moisture and oxygen were removed and 0.20M solution of Ui(tert.butyl)phosphine in cyclohexane (0.46 mL, 0.092 mmol) was added under atmospheire of nitrogen and the whole mixture was stirred at room temperature for 15 min and for further 3 h at 60°C. The dark solution was poured into 10% aqueous solution of potassium flubride (15 mL) and subsequently ethyl acetate (50 mL) was added. The layers were separated, the aqueous layer was washed with ethyl acetate (2x15 mL) and the collected organic layers were washed with brine (2x20 mL), 10% solution of potassium fluoride (2x10 mL), water (2x10 mL) and brine (2x10 mL). The or- game solution was dried with anhydrous sodium sulfate and its evaporation gave an oil that was purified by column chromatography (silica gel jfluka 60, hexane/ethyl acetate 10:1 + 0.1% of triethylamine) yielding 330 mg of crude etrjyl (Z)-[4-[3-(Biphenyl-4-yl)-3-(furan -2- yl)allylsulfanyl]-2-methylphenoxy]acetate. || Crude yield: 330 mg (88%). RF= 0.25 (SiO2, hexan^/ethyl acetate 10:1). 1H NMR spectrum (250 MHz, CDCI3): 7.61 - 7.15 (jjn, 12 H); 6.59 (d, J = 8.3 Hz, 1 H); 6.40 (dd, J = 3.4 and 1.9 Hz, 1 H); 6.19 (d, J = 3.4 Hz, 1 H); 5.88 (t, J = 7.9 Hz, 1 H); 4.58 (s, 2 H); 4.23 (q, J = 7.2 Hz, 2 H); 3.96 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 2 H); J2.21 (s, 3 H); 1.26 (t, J = 7.2 Hz, 3 H). General procedure B: i| Step A: jj To a solution of the above ester (330 mg, ij).681 mmol) in a mixture of tetrahydrofu-ran/methanol (1:3, 8 ml) a solution of lithium hydroxide monohydrate (42 mg, 1.00 mmol) in distilled water (0.5 ml_) was added. The resulting solution was stirred for 30 min and subsequently evaporated in vacuo. The residue was diluted with water (30 ml), neutralized with acetic acid (60 mg, 1.00 mmol) and extracted with ether (3x25 ml_). The collected organic layers were washed with water (15 ml) and brine (J2x15 ml) and dried with anhydrous sodium sulfate. The oil obtained by its evaporation was purified by column chromatography (silica gel Fluka 60, chloroform + 3-15% of methanol) yielding 161 mg of approximately equimo-lar mixture of both isomers of (E/Z)-[4-[3-(Biphenyl-4-yl)-3-(furan -2-yl)allylsulfanyl]-2-methylphenoxy]acetic acid. Yield: 161 mg (52%). M.p.: — (oil). RF= 0.30 (SiO2; chloroform/methanol 85:15). 1H NMR spectrum (250 MHz, DMSO-d6): 7.74 - 7.07 (m, 12 H); 6.75 (d, 1 H); 6.57 and 6.46 (dd, 1 H); 6.35 and 5.92 (d, 1 H); 6.28 and 5.93 (t, jj H); 4.62 and 4.59 (s, 2 H); 3.93 and 3.53 (d, 2 H); 2.14 and 2.11 (s, 3 H). i; The above acid (155 mg, 0.339 mmol) was dissolved in minimal amount of dry me-thylene chloride (about 1 mL), the formed solution \/vas diluted with absolute methanol (8 mL) and L-lysine (47 mg, 0.321 mmol) was added. Thejreaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 3 h, evaporated in vacuo and the residue was triturated with anhydrous ether (2x8 mL) yielding 140 mg of the L-lysinate of the title acid. Yield: 140 mg (68 %). M.p.: 135 - 150°C (amorphqus). 1H NMR spectrum (250 MHz, DMSO-d6): 7.73 - 6.03 (m, 13 H); 6.55 and 6.43 (dd, 1 H); 6.33 and 5.90 (d, 1 H); 6.25 and 5.91 (t, 1 H); 4.26 and 4.24 (s, 2 H); 3.88 and 3.49 (d, 2 H); 3.25 (m, 1 H);2.71 (m, 2 H); 2,10 and 2.08 (s, 3 H); 1.70-1.27 (m, 6 H). E*3rni iple 6 (General procedure (F)) (E/Z)-[4-[3-(Benzo[b]thiophen-3-yl)-3-(biphenyl-4-yi)allylsulfanyl]-2-methylphenoxy]aceticacid (Figure Remove) Step F: |! To a solution of ethyl (Z)-[4-[3-(biphenyl-4-yl)-3-iodoallylsulfanyl]-2-methylphenoxy]-acetate (307.4 mg, 0.565 mmol; example 5, step DtE) and (benzo[b]thiophen-3-yl)-tributyltin : |l (242.4 mg, 0.573 mmol; prepared in 71% yield according to Morimoto et al.: J.Med.Chem. 44, 3355 (2001)) in dry N.N-dimethylformamide (3 |nL) Pd2(dba)3.CHCI3 (17.9 mg, 0.0173 ii mmol) was added. Traces of moisture and oxygen were removed and 0.20 M solution of tri(tert.butyl)phosphine in cyclohexane (0.367 ml, 0.073 mmol) was added under atmosphere of nitrogen and the whole mixture was stirred at 86°C for 6 h. The dark solution was poured into 10% aqueous solution of potassium fluoride (20 ml) and subsequently ethyl acetate (30 ml) was added. The layers were separated, the aqueous layer was washed with ethyl acetate (2x15 ml) and the collected organic layers were washed with brine (10 ml), i 10% solution of potassium fluoride (20 ml), water (20 mL) and brine (20 ml). The organic solution was dried with anhydrous sodium sulfate and its evaporation gave an oil that was purified by column chromatography (silica gel Fluk^ 60, hexane/ethyl acetate 9:1) yielding 224 mg of crude ethyl (Z)-[4-[3-(Benzo[b]thiophen4-yl)-3-(biphenyl-4-yl)allylsulfanyl]-2- methylphenoxy]acetate. Yield: 224 mg (71%). RF= 0.30 (SiO2, hexane/ethyliacetate 9:1). 1H NMR spectrum (250 MHz, CDCI3): 6.61 - 7.60 (m, 16H); 6.59 (d, 1H); 6.28 (t, 1H); 4.61 (s, 2H); 4.24 (q, 2H); 3.75 (d, 2H); 2.19 (s, 3H); 1.26 (t, 3H). General procedure B: ii Step A: i! To a solution of the above ester (222 mg, 0.403 mmol) in a mixture of tetrahydrofu-ran/ ethanol (1:1,16.8 ml) 0.968M solution of lithium hydroxide monohydrate (0.52 ml, 0.503 mmol) was added. The resulting solution was stirred for 2 h and subsequently evapo- led in vacuo. The residue was diluted with water|10 ml), acidified with 1M hydrochloric i acid to pH 2-3 and extracted with ether (40+15 ml_|. The collected organic layers were washed with water (25 ml) and brine (30 mL) and tlried with anhydrous magnesium sulfate. The oil obtained by its evaporation was purified byjpolumn chromatography (silica gel Fluka 60, chloroform + 3-15% of methanol) yielding 87.5 fng of a mixture of both isomers of (E/Z)- j. [4-[3-(benzo[b]thiophen-3-yl)-3-(biphenyl-4-yl)allyls'«iilfanyl]-2-methylphenoxy]aceticacid. Yield: 87.5 mg (42%). RF= 0.10 (SiO2, chloroform 4 15% methanol). The above acid (87.5 mg, 0.167 mmol) was dissolved in minimal amount of dry me-thylene chloride (about 2 mL), the formed solution Vvas diluted with absolute methanol (5 mL) i' and L-lysine (23.5 mg, 0.161 mmol) was added. The reaction mixture was stirred at room J! temperature for 4.5 h, evaporated in vacuo and the residue was triturated with anhydrous | si ether (2x5 mL) yielding 50.6 mg of the L-lysinate of the title acid. Yield: 50.6 mg (45%). M.p.: 125 - 145°C (amorphous)- 1H NMR spectrum (250 MHz, DMSO-d6): 8.00 -6.|3 (m, 17H); 6.31 (t, 1H); 4.22 + 4.21 (s, 2H); 3.74 + 3.51 (d, 2H); 3.18 (bt, 1H); 2.71 (bt, 2HJJ; 2.10 + 2.08 (s, 3H); 1.80-1.30 (m, 6H). jj ii Example 7 (General procedure (F)) i [4-[(3-Benzo[b]thiophen-2-yl)-3-(biphenyl-4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy]-aceticacid (Figure Remove) Step F: ; To a solution of ethyl (Z)-[4-[3-(biphenyl-4»yl)-3-iodoallylsulfanyl]-2-methylphenoxy]-acetate (419 mg, 0.770 mmol; example 5, step D-E|) and (benzo[b]thiophen-2-yl)-tributyltin (335 mg, 0.792 mmol, prepared according to Morirrtoto et al.: J.Med.Chem. 44, 3355 (2001)) in dry N,N-dimethylformamide (9 mL) Pd2(dba)3.CHtCI3 (23.1 mg, 0.023 mmol) was added. Traces of moisture and oxygen were removed and'Q.20M solution of tri(tert.butyl)phosphine in cyclohexane (0.39 mL, 0.098 mmo|) was added lender atmosphere of nitrogen and the whole mixture was stirred at 50°C for 10h and then left stand overnight. The dark solution was poured into 10% aqueous solution of potassium fluoride (30 mL) and subsequently ethyl acetate (40 mL) was added. The layers were separated, the aqueous layer was washed with eWyl acetate (2x15 ml) and the collected organic layers were washed with brine (10 mL), 10% solution of potassium fluoride (20 ml), water (20 ml) and brine (20 ml). The organic solution was dried with anhydrous sodium sulfate dhd its evaporation gave an oil that was purified by column chromatography (silica gel Flukij 60, hexane/ethyl acetate 93 : 7). Yield 190 mg (45 %) of crude ethyl (Z)-[4-[(3-Benz4[b]thiophen-2-yl)-3-(biphenyl-4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methylphenoxy]acetate. RF= 0.35 (§;iO2, hexane/ethyl acetate 9:1). 1H NMR spectrum (250 MHz, CDCI3): 6.61 - 7.60 (m, 16H); 6.59 (d, 1H); 6.28 (t, 1H); 4.61 (s, 2H); 4.24 (q, 2H); 3.75 (d, 2H); 2.19 (s, 3H); 1.2>6 (t, 3H). General procedure B: | Step A: |i I To a solution of the above ester (190 mg, p.345 mmol) in a mixture of tetrahydrofu- ;l ran/ethanol (1:1, 16 mL) a solution of lithium hydroxide monohydrate (17.7 mg, 0.422 mmol) in water (0.15 mL) was added. The resulting solution was stirred for 2 h and subsequently evaporated in vacuo. The residue was diluted with prater (10 mL), acidified with 1M hydrochloric acid to pH 2-3 and extracted with ether (30 If 15 mL). The collected organic layers were washed with water (2x15 mL) and brine (30 fnL) and dried with anhydrous magnesium sulfate. The oil obtained by its evaporation was purified by column chromatography (silica gel Fluka 60, toluene/methanol/acetic acid 100 : 5 :1) yielding 66 mg of mixture of both isomers of (E/Z)-4-[(3-benzo[b]thiophen-2-yl)-3-(biphenyl-4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy]-acetic acid. Yield: 87.5 mg (49%). RF= 0.10 (Si02, chloroform + 15% methanol). The above acid (66 mg, 0.126 mmol) was Dissolved in methanol (5 mL) and L-lysine (18.4 mg, 0.126 mmol) was added. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1 h, evaporated in vacuo and the residue was triturated with anhydrous ether (3x5 mL) yielding 67 mg (78 %) of the L-lysinate of the title acid. M.p.: 140-155 °C (amorphous). 1H NMR spectrum (250 MHz, DMSO-d6): 7.98-6.82|(m, ~ 17); 6.12 (t, 1 H); 4.32 (s, ~ 2 H); 3.90 (m, ~ 2 H); 3.20 (t, 1 H); 2.73 (m, ~ 2 H); 2.16|;(s, ~ 3 H); 1.78-1.30 (m, ~ 6 H). Example 8 (General procedure (F)) '.! (E/Z)-[4-[3-(4-Biphenylyl)-3-(5-methylthiophen-2-yl)allylsulfanyl]-2-methylphenoxy]aceticacid (Figure Remove) a solution of ethyl (Z)-[4-[3-(4-biphenylyl)-3-iodoallylsulfanyl]-2-methylphenoxy]- il acetate (240 mg, 0.441 mmol; Example 5, Step D-E) and tributyl-(5-methylthiophen-2-yl)tin (180 mg, 0.461 mmol, prepared in 86% yield according to Morimoto et al.: J.Med.Chem. 44, 3355 (2001)) in dry N,N-dimethylformamide (5 mL)jtris(dibenzylideneacetone)dipalladium chloroform complex (13.5 mg, 0.013 mmol) was acjded. Traces of moisture and oxygen were removed and 0.25M solution of tri(tert-butyl)phospNine in cyclohexane (0.2 ml_, 0.050 mmol) was added under atmosphere of nitrogen and the 4j/hole mixture was stirred at 50°C for 3 h. The dark solution was diluted with ethyl acetate (30 ml_) and washed with brine (2x10 ml_), water (2x10 ml), 10% solution of potassium fluoride (2x10 ml_), 10% solution of sodium py-rosulfite (10 ml), 0.1 M hydrochloric acid (2x10 mL), water (10 ml_), 10% solution of sodium hydrogencarbonate (2x10 ml_) and brine (10 mL). The organic solution was dried with anhydrous sodium sulfate and its evaporation gave an oil. The crude product was purified by column chromatography (silica gel Fluka 60, hexane/ethyl acetate 8:1) yielding ethyl (Z)-[4-[3-(4-biphenylyl)-3-(5-methylthiophen-2-yl)allylsulfany))-2-methylphenoxy]acetate. Yield: 190 mg (84%). RF (SiO2, hexane/ethyl acetate 8:1) 0.30. 1H NMR spectrum (250 MHz, CDCI3): 7.60-7.10 (ri 11 H); 6.63 (m, 3 H); 6.06 (t, J =7.8Hz, 1 H); 4.60 (s, 2 H); 4.23 (q, J=7.1 Hz, 2 H); 3.77 (d, J=7.8 Hz, 2 H); 2.48 (s, 3 H); 2.23 (s, 3 H); 1.26(t,J=7.1 Hz.SH). General procedure B: To a solution of the above ester (260 mg, J0.505 mmol) in a mixture tetrahydrofu-ran/ethanol (1:1,6 mL) a solution of lithium hydroxjde monohydrate (26 mg, 0.620 mmol) in distilled water (0.4 ml) was added. The resulting solution was stirred for 2 h and subsequently evaporated in vacua. The residue was diluted with water (30 mL), acidified with 1M hydrochloric acid to pH 3 and extracted with ether (3x20 mL). The collected organic layers were washed with water (20 mL) and 10% solutioniOf potassium carbonate (3x20 mL). The amaline solutions were collected, acidified with 1M]hydrochloric acid to pH 3 and extracted with ether (3x20 ml) again. The collected organic Solutions were washed with water (20 ml) and brine (2x20 ml) and dried with anhydrous sodjum sulfate. The oil obtained by its evaporation was purified by column chromatography (silica gel Fluka 60, chloroform/methanol ;t 10:1) yielding the title compound as approximately jequimolar mixture of both isomers. Yield: 140 mg (60%). M.p. ~ (foam). RF (SiO2, methylene chloride/methanol 9:1) 0.25. 1H NMR spectrum (250 MHz, DMSO-d6): 7.74-6.4 (m, 14 H); 6.09 and 6.06 (t, 1 H); 4.71 and 4.69 (s, 2 H); 4.13 and 3.76 (d, 2 H); 2.46 and £.41 (s, 3 H); 2.16 and 2.12 (s, 3 H). L-Lysine (42 mg, 0.287 mmol) was added ito a solution of the above acid (140 mg, 0.288 mmol) in a mixture of dry methanol and ethei| (2:1, 6 ml_j. The formed suspension was evaporated and the residue was re-dissolved in a mixture of dry methanol and acetone (3:1, i! 4 ml_). The formed solution was stirred for 2 h, evaporated in vacuo and the residue was re- !; peatedly triturated with anhydrous ether yielding this L-lysinate of the title acid. Yield: 170 mg (93 %). M.p.: 129 - 138°C (amorphous). 1H NMR spectrum (250 MHz, DMSO-d6): 7.75-6.4^ (m, 14 H); 6.08 and 6.04 (t, 1 H); 4.28 (bs, 2 H); 3.72 and 3.42 (d, 2 H); 3.2? (bs, 1 H); 2.-f4 (bs, 2 H); 2.46 and 2.41 (s, 3 H); 2.14 and 2.10 (s, 3 H); 1.70-1.35 (m, 6 H)! ], PHARMACOLOGICAL METHODS In vitro PPARalpha, PPARgamma and PPARdelta activation activity The PPAR transient transactivation assays are based on transient transfection into human HEK293 cells of two plasmids encoding a chimeric test protein and a reporter protein respectively. The chimeric test protein is a fusion of the DMA binding domain (DBD) from the yeast GAL4 transcription factor to the ligand binding domain (LED) of the human PPAR proteins. The PPAR-LBD moiety harbored in addition;to the ligand binding pocket also the native activation domain (activating function 2 = AF2);|allowing the fusion protein to function as a PPAR ligand dependent transcription factor. The^GAL.4 DBD will direct the chimeric protein to bind only to Gal4 enhancers (of which none existed in HEK293 cells). The reporter plas-mid contained a Gal4 enhancer driving the expression of the firefly luciferase protein. After transfection, HEK293 cells expressed the GAL4-DBD-PPAR-LBD fusion protein. The fusion protein will in turn bind to the Gal4 enhancer controlling the luciferase expression, and do nothing in the absence of ligand. Upon addition to 'the cells of a PPAR ligand luciferase protein will be produced in amounts corresponding to the activation of the PPAR protein. The awicSunt of luciferase protein is measured by light emission after addition of the appropriate substrate. ' CELL CULTURE AND TRANSFECTION HEK293 cells were grown in DMEM + 10% PCS. Cells were seeded in 96-well • H plates the day before transfection to give a confluehcy of 50-80 % at transfection. A total of 0,8 ng DNA containing 0,64 pg pM1o/yLBD, 0,1 ng pCMVpGal, 0,08 jig pGL2(Ga!4)5 and 0,02 ng pADVANTAGE was transfected per well u$ng FuGene transfection reagent accord ing to the manufacturers instructions (Roche). Cells were allowed to express protein for 48 h followed by addition of compound. |j Plasmids: Human PPAR a, y and 8 was obtaineq by PCR amplification using cDNA syn- l! thesized by reverse transcription of rriRNA from huiinan liver, adipose tissue and plancenta respectively. Amplified cDNAs were cloned into pCJR2.1 and sequenced. The ligand binding I • domain (LED) of each PPAR isoform was generated by PCR (PPARa: aa 167 - C-terminus; ji PPARy: aa 165 - C-terminus; PPAR6: aa 128 - C-terminus) and fused to the DNA binding domain (DBD) of the yeast transcription factor GALj^ by subcloning fragments in frame into the vector pM1 (Sadowski et al. (1992), Gene 118, 137) generating the plasmids pMlaLBD, pMlyLBD and pM16. Ensuing fusions were verified by sequencing. The reporter was constructed by inserting an oligonucleotide encoding five repeats of the GAL4 recognition sequence (5 x CGGAGTACTGTCCTCCG(AG)) (Webster et al. (1988), Nucleic Acids Res. 16, 8192) into the vector pGL2 promotor (Promega) generating the plasmid pGL2(GAL4)5. pCMVpGal was purchased from Clontech and pADVANTAGE was purchased from Promega. IN VITRO TRANSACTIVATION ASSAY |i Compounds: All compounds were dissolved in DI\JlSO and diluted 1:1000 upon addition to the cells. Compounds were tested in quadruple in concentrations ranging from 0.001 to 300 uM. Cells were treated with compound for 24 h followed by luciferase assay. Each compound was tested in at least two separate experiments. Luciferase assay: Medium including test compound was aspirated and 100 nl PBS incl. 1 mM Mg++ and Ca++ was added to each well. The luciferase assay was performed using the LucLite kit according to the manufacturers instructions (Packard Instruments). Light emission was quantified by counting on a Packard LumiCounter. To measure (3-galactosi-dase activity 25 jal supernatant from each transfection lysate was transferred to a new mi- cfoplate. (3-galactosidase assays were performed in the microwell plates using a kit from Promega and read in a Labsystems Ascent Multiscan reader. The (3-galactosidase data were ii used to normalize (transfection efficiency, cell growth etc.) the luciferase data. STATISTICAL METHODS The activity of a compound is calculated as fold induction compared to an untreated sample. For each compound the efficacy (maximal activity) is given as a relative activity compared to Wy14,643 for PPARa, Rosiglitazon^ for PPARy and Carbacyclin for PPAR8. •! The EC50 is the concentration giving 50% of maxSJmal observed activity. EC50 values were ;i calculated via non-linear regression using GraphP&d PRISM 3.02 (GraphPad Software, San Diego, Ca). The results were expressed as means jjt SD. Claims: 1. A compound of the general formula (I): (Figure Remove) wherein Xi is aryl or heteroaryl each of which is optionally substituted with one or more sub- stituents selected from I • halogen, hydroxy, cyano, amino or carboxyj! or • d-e-alkyl, C3.6-cycloalkyl, C2^-alkenyl, C2^Halkynyl, aryl, aralkyl, heteroaryl, hetero- aralkyl, d-e-alkoxy, Cs-e-cycloalkoxy, aryloxj, aralkoxy, heteroaralkoxy, d-e-alkylthio, arylthio, C3<-cycloalkylthio, d-e-alkylcarbonyl, arylcarbonyl, d-e-alkylsulfonyl, arylsul- , !i fonyl, d-e-alkylsulfonyloxy, arylsulfonyloxy, jd-e-alkylamido, arylamido, d-e-alkyl- I. aminocarbonyl, d-e-alkylamino, d-e-dialkylamino or C3^-cycloalkylamino each of which is optionally substituted with one or more halogens; and X2 is arylene or heteroarylene each of which is optionally substituted with one or more sub-stituents selected from • halogen, hydroxy, cyano, amino or carboxyj or • d-e-alkyl, C3.6-cycloalkyl, C2^-alkenyl, C2^alkynyl, d-e-alkoxy, C3^-cycloalkoxy, d-e-alkylthio, CM-cycloalkylthio, d-e-alkylarnino, d-e-dialkylamino or C3^-cycloalkyl- amino each of which is optionally substituted with one or more halogens; and X3 is aryl or heteroaryl each of which is optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from ! • halogen, hydroxy, cyano, amino or carboxy;! or • d-e-alkyl, C3-6-cycloalkyl, C2^-alkenyl, C^alkynyl, aralkyl, heteroaralkyl, d-e-alkoxy, C^-cycloalkoxy, aryloxy, aralkoxy, heteroaralkoxy, d-e-alkylthio, arylthio, alkylthio, Ci^-alkylcarbonyl, arylcarbonyl, C^-e-alkylsulfonyl, arylsulfonyl, C sulfonyloxy, arylsulfonyloxy, d-e-alkylamidqi arylamido, d^-alkylaminocarbonyl, C^- alkylamino, d-e-dialkylamino or C3^-cycloalkylamino each of which is optionally sub stituted with one or more halogens; and Ar is arylene which is optionally substituted with onje or more substituents selected from • halogen, hydroxy or cyano; or • d-e-alkyl, C3.6-cycloalkyl, C2-6-alkenyl, C2ife-alkynyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aralkyl, het- eroaralkyl, d-e-alkoxy, C3<-cycloalkoxy, aryloxy, aralkoxy, heteroaralkoxy, d-e- alkylthio, arylthio or C3^-cycloalkylthio each of which is optionally substituted with one or more halogens; and YI is O or S; and Y2 is O or S; and Z is -{CH2)n- wherein n is 1 , 2 or 3; and RI is hydrogen, halogen or a substituent selected from j| • d-e-alkyl, C3-6-cycloalkyl, C2^-alkenyl, C2^lkynyl, aralkyl, heteroaralkyl, d-e-alkoxy, Ca-e-cycloalkoxy, aryloxy, aralkoxy, heteroaralkoxy, d-e-alkylthio, arylthio or C3-e-cycloalkylthio each of which is optionally substituted with one or more halogens; and R2 is hydrogen, d-e-alkyl, C3^-cycloalkyl, C^-alkenyl, C2^-alkynyl, C^-alkenynyl or aryl; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, or a pharmaceutically acceptable solvate thereof, or any tautomeric forms, stereoisomers, mixture of stereoisomers including a racemic mixture, or polymorphs. 2. A compound according to claim 1, wherein X1 is aryl or heteroaryl optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from ! • halogen; or : • Ci^-alkyl, aryl, d-e-alkoxy, d-e-alkylsulfonyl or d-e-alkylsulfonyloxy each of which is op tionally substituted with one or more halogens. 3. A compound according to claim 2, wherein XT is phenyl, furyl, thienyl, benzothienyl or benzofuranyl optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from • halogen; or ji i, aryl, C^-alkoxy, C^-alkylsulfonyl or Gf^-alkylsulfonyloxy each of which is optionally substituted with one or more halogens. 6. A compound according to claim 5, wherein X-\ is phenyl. 7. A compound according to claim 3^ wherein Xi is furyl, thienyl, benzothienyl or benzofu- ii ranyl with one or more substituents seleced from halogen, d-e-alkyl, aryl or perhalomethyl. I !i 8. A compound according to claim 7, wherein Xi i& furyl optionally substituted with one or more substituents seleced from halogen, d-e-alkylj! phenyl or trifluoromethyl. r 9. A compound according to claim 7, wherein XT is thienyl optionally substituted with one or more substituents seleced from halogen, d-e-alkyl, phenyl or trifluoromethyl. 10. A compound according to claim 7, wherein Xi-is benzothienyl optionally substituted with one or more substituents seleced from halogen, Ci^-alkyl, phenyl or trifluoromethyl. 11. A compound according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein X2 is arylene or het- eroarylene optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from • halogen; or I, • d-e-alkyl or d-e-alkoxy each of which is optionally substituted with one or more halogens. ;i 12. A compound according to claim 11, wherein Xz is phenylene optionally substituted with : 1 ! one or more substituents selected from • halogen; or • Ci-e-alkyI or d-e-alkoxy each of which is optionally substituted with one or more halogens. •I 13. A compound according to claim 12, wherein X2is phenylene optionally substituted with one or more halogens. ;; 14. A compound according to claim 13, wherein Xp is phenylene. >i 15. A compound according to claim 1 1 , wherein X? is benzofuranylene optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from , • halogen; or I l or C^-alkoxy each of which is optionally substituted with one or more halogens. 16. A compound according to claim 15, wherein Xz is benzofuranylene optionally substituted 17. A compound according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein X3 is aryl or het- eroaryl optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from j i • halogen; or j • d-e-alkyl, d-e-alkoxy, d-e-alkylsulfonyl or d-e-alkylsulfonyloxy each of which is optionally substituted with one or more halogens. j 18. A compound according to claim 17, wherein X3 is phenyl, furyl, thienyl, benzothienyl or benzofuranyl optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from • halogen; or • d-e-alkyl, d-e-alkoxy, d.6-alkylsulfonyl or d-e-alkylsulfonyloxy each of which is optionally substituted with one or more halogens. i< 19. A compound according to claim 18, wherein X3 is phenyl optionally substituted with one or more halogens. \20. A compound according to claim 1 8, wherein X3 is phenyl optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from d-e-alkyl or perihalomethyl. 21. A compound according to claim 18, wherein X3is phenyl. 1 22. A compound according to claim 1 8, wherein X3 is furyl, thienyl, benzothienyl or benzofu- ranyl optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from halogen, d-e-alkyl or perhalomethyl. 23T A compound according to claim 22, wherein Xg is furyl optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from halogen, d-e-alkyl!or trifluoromethyl. 24. A compound according to claim 22, wherein X3 is thienyl optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from halogen, d-e-alkyl or trifluoromethyl. 25. A compound according to claim 22, wherein X3 is benzothienyl optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from haloge/n, d-e-alkyl or trifluoromethyl. 26. A compound according to claim 22, wherein X3 is benzofuranyl optionally substituted I; with one or more substituents selected from halogen, Ci^-alkyl or trifluoromethyl. I; 27. A compound according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein Ar is phenylene which is optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from • halogen, hydroxy or cyano; or • d-e-alkyl, C3-6-cycloalkyl, C2-e-alkenyl, C2^-alk)[nyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aralkyl, heteroaral- kyl, d-e-alkoxy, C3^-cycloalkoxy, aryloxy, aralkoxy, heteroaralkoxy, d-e-alkylthio, arylthio or C3.6-cycloalkylthio each of which is optionally Substituted with one or more halogens. 28. A compound according to claim 27, wherein Ar is phenylene which is optionally substi tuted with one or more substituents selected from 5; • halogen; or i • d-e-alkyl, d-e-alkoxy, aryloxy or aralkoxy each 6f which is optionally substituted with one or more halogens. ;j I, 29. A compound according to claim 28, wherein Ar is phenylene which is optionally substi tuted with methyl. I 30. A compound according to claim 29, wherein Ar is phenylene. 31. A compound according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein YI is S. 32. A compound according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein Y2 is O. ;l 33. A compound according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein n is 1. 34. A compound according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein RI is hydrogen or a substituent selected from d-e-alkyl, aralkyl, d-e-alljbxy, aryloxy, aralkoxy each of which is optionally substituted with one or more halogens is hydrogen or a substituent selected optioally substituted with one or more halo- 35. A compound according to claim 34, wherein from d-e-alkyl or Ci-e-alkoxy each of which is gens. 36. A compound according to claim 35, wherein is hydrogen. 37. A compound according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein R2 is hydrogen 38. A compound according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein R2 is methyl or ethyl. 39. A compound according to any one of the preceding claims, which is: (E/Z){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(4-bromo-phenyl)-allylsulfanyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (E/Z){4-[3-(4-Bromo-phenyl)-3-(3I-trifluoromethyl-biphenyl-4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl- phenoxy}-acetic acid; or ! a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, or a pharmaceutically acceptable solvate thereof, or any tautomeric forms, stereoisomers, mixture of stereoisomers including a racemic mix ture, or polymorphs. ! 40. A compound according to any one of the claims 1 to 38, which is: {4-[3-(4-Bromo-phenyl)-3-[1,1l;4',1"]terphenyl-4"-yl--allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}-acetic acid; | (E/Z)-[2-Methyl-4-[3-[5-(5-methylthiophen-2-yl)benzo[b]furan-2-yl]-3-(thiophen-2-yl)allyl- sulfanyl]phenoxy]acetic acid; ; (E/Z)-[4-[3-(Biphenyl-4-yl)-3-(furan-2-yl)allylsulfanyl]-2-methylphenoxy]aceticacid; (E/Z)-[4-[3-(Benzo[b]thiophen-3-yl)-3-(biphenyl-4-yl)allylsulfanyl]-2-methylphenoxy]acetic acid; |: [4-[(3-Benzo[b]thiophen-2-yl)-3-(biphenyl-4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy]-aceticacid; (E/Z)-[4-[3-(4-Biphenylyl)-3-(5-methylthiophen-2-yl)allylsulfanyl]-2-methylphenoxy]aceticacid; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, or a pharmaceutically acceptable solvate tnfcreof, or any tautomeric forms, stereoisomers, mixture of stereoisomers including a race- mic mixture, or polymorphs. ij 1! 41. A compound according to any one of the clairfis 1 to 38, which is: (E){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(2-fluoro-phenyl)-allylsulfahyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (Z){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(2-fluoro-phenyl)-allylsulfahyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (E){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(2-chloro-phenyl)-allylsulfanyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (Z){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(2-chloro-phenyl)-allylsulf^nyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (E){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(2-bromo-phenyl)-allylsulf^inyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (Z){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(2-bromo-phenyl)-allylsulfanyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (E){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(2-iodo-phenyl)-allylsulfari|yl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (Z){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(2-iodo-phenyl)-allylsulfan^l]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (E){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(2-methoxy-phenyl)-allylsijilfanyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (Z){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(2-methoxy-phenyl)-allylsulfanyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (E) {4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(2-trifluorom^thoxy-pheny|)-allylsulfanyl]-phenoxy}-acetic acid; (Z) {4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(2-trifluoromethoxy-pheny ^-allylsulfanyl]-phenoxy}-acetic acid; (E) {4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(2-methyl-phenyl)-allylsulfanyl]-phenoxy}-acetic acid; (Z){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(2-methyl-phenyl)-allylsulfanyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (E){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-allylsulfanyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (Z){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-allylsulfanyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (E){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(3-fluoro-phenyl)-allylsulfa'nyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (Z) {4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(3-fluoro-phenyl)-allylsulfanyl]-phenoxy}-acetic acid; (E){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(3-chloro-phenyl)-allylsulfanyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (Z){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(3-chIoro-phenyl)-allylsulf^nyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (E){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(3-bromo-phenyl)-allylsulf^nyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (Z){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(3-bromo-phenyl)-allylsulfanyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (E){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(3-iodo-phenyl)-allylsulfanyi]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (Z) {4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(3-iodo-phenyl)-allylsulfan^l]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (E){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(3-methoxy-phenyl)-allylstjlfanyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (Z){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(3-methoxy-phenyl)-allylsi^lfanyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (E) {4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyt)-allylsulfanyl]-phenoxy}-acetic acid; (Z){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-pheny])-allylsulfanyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (E){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(3-methyl-phenyl)-allylsulfanyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (Z){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(3-methyl-phenyl)-allylsulfanyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (E) {4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(3-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-iallylsulfanyl]-phenoxy}-acetic acid; (^^-[S-Biphenyl^-yl-S^S-trifluoromethyl-phenyO-j^llylsulfanyn-phenoxyJ-aceticacid; (E){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-allylsulfa|pyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (Z){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-allylsulfainyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (E){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(4-chloro-phenyl)-allylsulf^nyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (Z){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(4-chloro-phenyl)-allylsulfginyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (E/Z){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(4-bromo-phenyl)-allylsdlfanyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (E){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(4-bromo-phenyl)-allylsulfanyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (Z){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(4-bromo-phenyl)-allylsulf^nyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (E){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(4-iodo-phenyl)-allylsulfar^yl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (Z){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(4-iodo-phenyl)-allylsulfanyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (E){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-allylsililfanyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (Z){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-allylsdlfanyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (E){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(4-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-allylsulfanyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (Z) {4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(4-trifluoromethoxy-phenyj)-allylsulfanyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (E){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(4-methyl-phenyl)-allylsulfenyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; . I (Z){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(4-methyl-phenyl)-allylsulf&nyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; ; j! (E){4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-;allylsulfanyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (Z) {4-[3-Biphenyl-4-yl-3-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-allylsulfanyl]-phenoxy}-aceticacid; (E){4-[3-(4-Fluoro-phenyl)-3-(2'-trifluoromethyl-biphenyl-4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl- phenoxyj-acetic acid; ; (Z){4-[3-(4-Fluoro-phenyl)-3-(2'-trifluoromethyl-bip^enyl-4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}-acetic acid; (E/Z){4-[3-(4-Fluoro-phenyl)-3-(3'-trifluoromethyl-bi|phenyl-4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl- phenoxyj-acetic acid; !• (E){4-[3-(4-Fluoro-phenyi)-3-(3'-trifluoromethyl-biphenyl-4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl- phenoxyj-acetic acid; ; (Z){4-[3-(4-Fluoro-phenyl)-3-(3'-triflupromethyl-bip^enyl-4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}-acetic acid; (E){4-[3-(4-Fluoro-phenyl)-3-(4'-trifluoromethyl-biphenyl-4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl- phenoxyj-acetic acid; :, (Z){4-[3-(4-Fluoro-phenyl)-3-(4'-triflu6romethyl-biphenyl-4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxyj-acetic acid; (E){4-[3-(4-Fluoro-phenyl)-3-(3'-chloro-biphenyl-4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}-acetic acid; (^f4-[3-(4-Fluoro-phenyl)-3-(3'-chloro-biphenyl-4-ill)-allyIsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}-acetic acid; | (E){4-[3-(4-Fluoro-phenyl)-3-(4'-chloro-biphenyl-4-^l)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}-acetic acid; J! (Z){4-[3-(4-Fluoro-phenyl)-3-(4'-chloro-biphenyl-4-i|l)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}-acetic ; i: acid; || (E){4-[3-(4-Fluoro-phenyl)-3-(3'-methoxy-biphenyl-j4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}- acetic acid; \(Z){4-[3-(4-Fluoro-phenyl)-3-(3'-methoxy-biphenyl4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}- acetic acid; j i (E) {4-[3-(4-Fluoro-phenyl)-3-(4'-methoxy-biphenylT;4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}- i' acetic acid; !; (Z){4-[3-(4-Fluoro-phenyl)-3-(4'-methoxy-biphenylT4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}- ji acetic acid; | (E){4-[3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3-(2'-triflu6romethyl-bip|ienyl-4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxyj-acetic acid; (Z){4-[3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3-(2'-trifluoromethyl-bipnenyl-4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl- phenoxy}-acetic acid; :: (E/Z){4-[3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3-(3'-trifluoromethyl-biphenyl-4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl- phenoxyj-acetic acid; ' (E){4-[3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3-(3'-trifluoromethyl-bipJpenyl-4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl- phenoxyj-acetic acid; ; (Z){4-[3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3-(3'-trifluoromethyl-bip|ienyi-4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl- phenoxyj-acetic acid; j; (E){4-[3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3-(4'-triflubromethyl-bipliienyl-4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl- ' phenoxy}-acetic acid; (Z){4-[3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3-(4'-trifluoromethyl-bip|;ienyl-4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}-acetic acid; (E){4-[3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3-(3'-chloro-biphenyl-4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}-acetic acid; : (Z){4-[3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3-(3'-chloro-biphenyl-4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}-acetic acid; ['. (E){4-[3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3-(4'-chloro-biphenyl-4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}-acetic acid; ;' (^4-[3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3-(4'-chloro-biphenyl-4-^l)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}-acetic acid; ;! (E){4-[3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3-(3'-methoxy-biphenyl|4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}- acetic acid; ' j (Z){4-[3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3-(3'-metHoxy-biphenyl44-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}- acetic acid; j (E){4-[3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-3-(4'-methoxy-biphenyl-k-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}- i acetic acid; j (Z){4-[3-{4-Chloro-phenyl)-3-(4'-methoxy-biphenyl44-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}- acetic acid; ' (E){4-[3-(4-Bromo-phenyl)-3-(2'-triflupromethyl-bipfienyl-4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl- phenoxy}-acetic acid; { (Z){4-[3-(4-Bromo-phenyl)-3-(2'-trifluoromethyl-bip|enyl-4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl- phenoxy}-acetic acid; I (E/Z){4-[3-(4-Bromo-phenyl)-3-(3'-trifluoromethyl-b;|phenyl-4-yl)-allylsuIfanyl]-2-methyl- ii phenoxy}-acetic acid; ; (E){4-[3-(4-Bromo-phenyl)-3-(3'-trifluoromethyl-biphenyI-4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}-acetic acid; (Z){4-[3-(4-Bromo-phenyl)-3-(3'-trifluoromethyl-bipt|ienyl-4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}-acetic acid; (E){4-[3-(4-Bromo-phenyl)-3-(4'-triflupromethyl-bipfienyl-4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl- ii phenoxy}-acetic acid; (Z){4-[3-(4-Bromo-phenyl)-3-(4'-triflu9romethyl-biphenyl-4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl- phenoxyj-acetic acid; • (E){4-[3-(4-Bromo-phenyl)-3-(3'-chloi[o-biphenyl-4^yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}-acetic acid; ; (Z){4-[3-(4-Bromo-phenyl)-3-(3'-chlorjo-biphenyl-4-yi)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}-acetic acid; ; (E){4-[3-(4-Bromo-phenyl)-3-(4'-chloro-biphenyl-4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}-acetic acid; :' (Z){4-[3-(4-Bromo-phenyl)-3-(4'-chloro-biphenyl-4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}-acetic acid; , (E){4-[3-(4-Bromo-phenyl)-3-(3'-methoxy-biphenyl|4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}-acetic acid; (a^f4-[3-(4-Bromo-phenyl)-3-(3'-methoxy-biphenyl'4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}- acetic acid; . |i (E){4-[3-(4-Bromo-phenyl)-3-(4'-methoxy-bipheny|i|4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}- acetic acid; (Z){4-[3-(4-Bromo-phenyl)-3-(4'-methoxy-biphenyl-4-yl)-allylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}- acetic acid; or ; a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, or a pharmaceutically acceptable solvate thereof, or any tautomeric forms, stereoisomers, mixture ofJBtereoisomers including a racemic mix- i ture, or polymorphs. \i ii 42. A compound according to any one of the preceding claims, which is a PPAR5 agonist. •ji (j 43. A compound according to claim 42, which is a selective PPAR8 agonist. 44. The use of a compound according to any one tical composition. of the preceding claims as a pharmaceu- 45. A pharmaceutical composition cpmprising, as an active ingredient, at least one compound according to any one of the claims 1-43 together with one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers or excipients. 46. A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 45 in unit dosage form, comprising from about 0.05 mg to about 1000 mg, preferably fijom about 0.1 to about 500 mg of and especially preferred from about 0.5 mg to about 200 mg per day of compound according to any one of the claims 1-43. ;i : ii 47. A pharmaceutical composition for the treatment and/or prevention of conditions ji mediated by nuclear receptors, in particular the Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors (PPAR), the composition comprising a compound according to any one of the claims 1-43 together with one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers or excipients. 48. A pharmaceutical composition for the treatment and/or prevention of type I diabetes, type II diabetes, impaired glucose tolerance, insulin resistance or obesity comprising a compound according to any of the claims 1-43 together with one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers or excipients. ; 49. A pharmaceutical composition according to an^ one of the claims 45-48 for oral, nasal, transdermal, pulmonal, or parenteral administration. | 'I 50. Use of a compound according to any one of tljie claims 1-43 for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment and/|r prevention of conditions mediated by j ji nuclear receptors, in particular the Peroxisome Prqliferator-Activated Receptors (PPAR). !• ii 51. Use of a compound according tq any one of tie claims 1-43 for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment and/«|r prevention of Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, syndrome X (including the rinetabolic syndrome, i.e. impaired glucose tolerance, insulin resistance, hypertrigyceridaemia'and/or obesity), cardiovascular diseases (including atherosclerosis) and hypercholesteremia. 52. A method for thetreatment and/or preventiorjjof conditions mediated by nuclear ti receptors, in particular the Peroxisome ProliferatorfActivated Receptors (PPAR), the method ti comprising administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of a compound according to any one of the claims 1-43 or a pharmaceutical composition comprising the same. 53. A method for the treatment and/or prevention of type I diabetes, type II diabetes, impaired glucose tolerance, insulin resistance or obesity, the method comprising administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of a compound according to j. any one of the claims 1-43 or of a pharmaceutical composition comprising the same. 54. The method according to claims;52 or 53 wherein the effective amount of the compound according to any one of the claims 1-43 is in the rajjige of from about 0.05 mg to about 1000 ! !(•' mg, preferably from about 0.1 to about 500 mg of and especially preferred from about 0.5 mg to about 200 mg per day.